SPCA Florida Run for Their Lives 5k

SF

From SPCA Florida

  • Date Sat 23rd May 2026
  • Time 7:00AM EDT
  • Location Lakeland, Polk
  • Price $30.00
  • Races 1 race

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A group of adults, children, and two dogs pose outdoors with medals and a trophy after an event. An American flag is displayed in the background, and a stroller is visible in front of the group.

SPCA Florida Run for Their Lives 5k

Sat 23rd May 2026

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Event summary

Join us for the SPCA Florida Run for Their Lives 5K on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the beautiful Peterson Park in Lakeland, Polk. This exciting event, organized by SPCA Florida, invites runners, walkers, and animal enthusiasts to come together for a morning dedicated to saving lives. Whether you choose to race competitively or enjoy a leisurely stroll with your furry friend, this professionally chipped 5K promises an exhilarating experience for all.

Participants can look forward to a delightful continental breakfast and a spirited awards ceremony, all while knowing that every step they take supports a worthy cause. The SPCA Florida Run for Their Lives 5K not only celebrates fitness and community but also champions compassion, giving animals a second chance at life. Don't miss this opportunity to make a difference while having a fantastic time!

SPCA Florida Run for Their Lives 5k

Sat 23rd May 2026

A group of adults, children, and two dogs pose outdoors with medals and a trophy after an event. An American flag is displayed in the background, and a stroller is visible in front of the group. SPCA Florida Run for Their Lives 5k event image A group of people wearing athletic gear and numbered bibs line up on a sidewalk in the morning sun, preparing to start a race in a residential neighborhood. Two dogs, one brown and one white with brown spots, sit on pavement with their tongues out, looking up happily. A person in sneakers stands between them, holding their leashes. A plastic bin is nearby. A man and woman stand outdoors wearing race bibs and medals, smiling. The man wears a sunhat and tropical shirt; the woman has tattoos and sunglasses. A German Shepherd sits in front, tongue out, on a leash. A small white dog wearing a neon yellow shirt sits in a stroller with a "Run for Their Lives 5K" race bib numbered 160 attached to the front. The stroller is on a paved path in a sunny outdoor setting.

Organiser's Description

Ready. Set. Save Lives.

The SPCA Florida Run for Their Lives 5K brings together runners, walkers, and animal lovers for an unforgettable morning with a mission. Set against the scenic beauty of Peterson Park, this professionally chipped race offers the thrill of competition alongside the joy of running—or walking—with your four-legged companion. Enjoy a continental breakfast, a lively awards ceremony, and the powerful feeling of knowing your participation helps give animals a second chance. Every step supports compassion, community, and hope—making this more than a race, but a meaningful way to start your day.

Races

  • Virtual 5k

    Sat 23rd May 2026 (7:00AM EDT)

    $30.00

    CLOSED

Book

  • Virtual 5k

    Sat 23rd May 2026 (7:00AM EDT)

    $30.00

    CLOSED

Course Details

Flat, mostly shaded, park scene, golf course scenery, lake scenery.

What's Included

Register now for our annual SPCA Florida’s Run for Their Lives 5K on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at the beautiful Peterson Park located at 3700 Cleveland Heights Blvd, Lakeland, FL. Runners will enjoy a chip timed 5K race and will be saving lives with every step they take. Complimentary continental breakfast will be provided. Award ceremony will be conducted after the race. Race Time 7:00AM.

Course will run most of the 3 Parks Trail. Walkers and leashed dogs welcome!

Registered participants will receive a race bib and a choice of a race short sleeve T-shirt or race tank top (Guaranteed if pre-registered before May 8th, 2026! Don't wait to register!) All finishers will receive a exclusive race medal after crossing the finish line.

Awards: Overall male & female and top three male & female in age groups: 0-9, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39,up to 80+, and Largest Team

Friday, May 22nd, from 4 PM – 7 PM

- Early Packet pick-up - Fleet Feet - Lakeside Village - 1523 Town Center Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33803

Saturday, May 23rd

- 6:00 AM - 6:45 AM - Day of packet pick-up at Peterson Park, Late registration $45 Dollars, NO SHIRT OR TANKS available on this day.

- 7:00 AM - 5K Race Starts

- 7:15 AM - Continental Breakfast begins at the Eagles Nest

- 7:45 AM - Top Overall Female and Male Winners (approx. time)

- 8:15 AM - Approx time for Awards Presentation (1st Place F/M in all age groups and Largest Team)

Since this is a fundraiser for the SPCA Florida, there will be NO Refunds tendered. The event will be held rain or shine. In the event the live event does cancel due to inclement weather including lightning, tornadoes or hurricanes, or if you cannot attend due to health issues, your live event registration will transfer over to a virtual option, and you will still be able to pick up your bib, shirt and finisher medal.
We look forward to seeing you at the event!

~ Your SPCA Florida Run for Their Lives Team

  • dogs allowed, awards, free breakfast, 5k, May 28, saturday, Memorial Day

Parking

Plenty of free parking

FAQs

  • Can we walk the course?

    Yes, we love our walkers.

  • Can we walk with strollers?

    Absolutely! We just ask that strollers start in the back of the crowd at the Start Line.

  • Can we walk with our dogs?

    But of course, the event is all for them and their homeless friends! We just ask that all dogs are well behaved, not dog or people reactive, leashed at all times, with their owners at all times, and up to date with all their vaccines. Please pick up after your pets. All this is VERY IMPORTANT so that everyone has a safe and enjoyable event. Oh, and don't forget to bring your pups swim trunks as their will be a Doggy Pool Area at the Eagles Nest Pavilion.

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Location

3700 Cleveland Heights Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33803-0215, United States

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SPCA Florida Run for Their Lives 5k

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