The Florida Run @ Colt Creek State Park
Florida Run at Colt Creek: a fast, scenic trail half through pine forests and lakes.
Race Date
Apr 17, 2027
Location
Lakeland, FL
Quick facts
- Date
- Saturday, April 17, 2027
- Location
- Lakeland, Florida
- Distance
- Half marathon (13.1 mi) + 6.2 Miles, 3.1 Miles
- Course
- Loop Course
- Terrain
- Trail
- USATF certified
- Not listed
- Finishers on record
- 795
Highlights
Good For
Atmosphere
Course
The Experience
The Florida Run at Colt Creek State Park is a growing trail half-marathon that draws about 213 runners from 9 states, with a loyal 12% returning each year. Now in its 8th edition, it weaves through towering pine forests, past peaceful lakes, and over open meadows on smooth, runnable trails. The course is well-marked and family-friendly, making it a welcoming choice for first-time trail runners and experienced athletes alike.
The half-marathon profile features a manageable 330 feet of elevation gain, spread evenly for a rolling yet fast route. Five aid stations and three restrooms dot the course, with energy gels at miles 5, 7.5, and 10. The terrain is mostly shaded by the Florida canopy, offering relief from the typically warm, humid weather (60–82°F race-day average). Despite its small field, the atmosphere is energetic and community-driven, with a friendly competition among local run clubs.
At the finish, runners receive a finisher medal and choice of swag (t-shirt, tank top, or socks), plus post-race snacks. The professionally chip-timed event awards overall and age-group winners, and the flat, well-supported course invites PRs. For a low-key, scenic, and well-organized trail run in Central Florida’s pristine wilderness, the Florida Run delivers.
Race-provided description
Run the trails of beautiful Colt Creek State Park on April 17, 2027 Choose from 5K, 10K, or Half Marathon distances and experience scenic Florida wilderness, smooth runnable trails, and a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere. Whether you're chasing a PR or enjoying the outdoors, this race delivers a memorable trail experience for all levels. EVENT OVERVIEW
Experience a scenic trail run through the beautiful woods of Colt Creek State Park. Surrounded by towering pine trees, flat terrain, and peaceful lakes, this event offers the perfect blend of performance, community, and nature. Designed for both first-time trail runners and experienced athletes, the course is well-marked, highly runnable, and set in one of Central Florida’s most pristine state parks. RACE SCHEDULE Friday Packet Pick-Up: 2:00 PM – 6:30 PM Saturday Packet Pick-Up: 6:00 AM – 7:30 AM Start Times: Half Marathon – 7:15 AM 10K – 7:30 AM 5K – 7:45 AM DISTANCES & COURSE DETAILS 5K | 3.18 miles • 104 ft elevation gain 1 aid station 10K | 6.28 miles • 180 ft elevation gain 2 aid stations • 1 restroom Half Marathon | 13.13 miles • 330 ft elevation gain 5 aid stations • 3 restrooms Nutrition at miles 5, 7.5, and 10 SWAG & AWARDS All races are professionally chip timed. Every participant receives: Finisher medal Choice of Race swag item Post-race snacks Awards are given to overall and age group winners in each distance. RUN CLUB COMPETITION Register your team and compete in our Run Club Competition. Fastest Team Awards in the 5K|10K|HALF Get Up & Go Award - Largest Team PARKING & PARK INFO Parking fees go directly to Colt Creek State Park. Passes are single-use, and runners may also purchase an annual Florida State Parks pass. WHY RUN COLT CREEK? Flat, fast, and beginner-friendly trail course Beautiful pine forests and lake views Well-marked and professionally managed event Family-friendly atmosphere
👉 Register now and join us for an unforgettable day on the trails at Colt Creek State Park!
Logistics
Race Day
Saturday, April 17, 2027
Start Time
7:15 AM
Giveaway
T-Shirt or Tank Top or Socks
Start Location
16000 State Rd. 471, Lakeland, FL, 33809
Course Info
Course Type
Loop Course
Terrain
trail
Scenery
Forest, Lake River
Difficulty
Rolling Hills
Net Drop/km
0 m (Flat)
Separation
0.0%
Also Offers
Quality Score
Solid Pick558 years running
~168 finishers a year
growing or steady
12% returning runners
5 timing sources
runners from 9 states
winner 1:18:57
typical high 82°F
Race Day Weather
5-year historical avgStart (Low)
60°
Afternoon (High)
82°
Hot conditions — adjust pace expectations, prioritize hydration
0.1"
Precipitation
12 mph
Wind
65%
Humidity
Historical Finish Times
How 795 finishers actually crossed the line across 3 years.
Most recent
2026
Total finishers
795
Median time
2:20:17
Latest turnout
186
States
23
Turnout by year
2024–2026
Hover the histogram to inspect specific finish times.
Race Photos
Frequently asked
When is the The Florida Run @ Colt Creek State Park?
The The Florida Run @ Colt Creek State Park is held on Saturday, April 17, 2027, starting at 7:15 AM.
Where does the The Florida Run @ Colt Creek State Park take place?
It takes place in Lakeland, Florida.
What distances does the The Florida Run @ Colt Creek State Park offer?
The half marathon (13.1 miles), plus 6.2 Miles, 3.1 Miles.
Is the The Florida Run @ Colt Creek State Park course flat and good for a PR?
The The Florida Run @ Colt Creek State Park is a rolling hills, loop course course.
How many people run the The Florida Run @ Colt Creek State Park?
HalfRuns has finish records for 795 runners who have completed the The Florida Run @ Colt Creek State Park.
HalfRuns editorial — independent, no paid placement.
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