Okay, so the weather in Jacksonville is slowly getting colder and we are trying to be outdoorsy before we lose the heat. What better way to do that than run a ton of 5Ks with your friends? Aside from working up a sweat and staying warm, you can win a lot of cool prizes at some of these local 5Ks. Read on for all the dirty deetz.

November 22

Turkey Trot 5K

Prepare for a gobblin’ good time with the 14th annual Turkey Trot! At the Osprey Village Wellness Center in Amelia Island, ‘tis a mere $25 to register to kick some ass. Awards are given to the top three male and female finishers in every age category, so start training…and then load yourself up with turkey later.

Psych Ed Turkey Trot

So maybe you’re looking for a Turkey Trot that’s a bit closer…Not to fret, I found one. The Psych Ed Connections Turkey Trot is taking place in Ponte Vedra at the Nocatee Splash! With over 400 runners and 20 decorated golf carts, people eat this race up, just like Thanksgiving turkey.

#FrayLife Tip: This is supposed to be the most scenic course this year through pine forests and the splash park.

Community First Thanksgiving Distance Classic

With the choice between a 1-mile fun run, 5k, or half marathon, this Thanksgiving Turkey Trot takes place at the Pickwick Plaza in Jacksonville! With some cash prizes and age group awards, all finishers still receive a medal! No reason not to go earn your turkey and mashed taters.

#FrayLife Tip: The course is VERY clearly marked and traffic is controlled by the Sheriff’s Office. So you should feel very safe and sure of your time!

December 1

Light Up the House 5K and Family Day

With all raised funds going to provide temporary lodging for over 1,200 in-need families, you won’t ONLY be doing your body some good by signing up for the Light Up the House 5K! At the Ronald McDonald House in San Marco, let’s get in the Christmas spirit and run for a good cause.

#FrayLife Tip: There are awards for individuals and TEAMS, that raise the most money! Let’s get donating and running, people.

Reinbeer Run

So why not get in the spirit by combining reindeer and beer? At Jacksonville Tapestry Park, get yourself ready for a good time at 6 PM with running, reindeer antlers, and a post-race beer celebration. Ummmm, I don’t know about you, but what more do you need at a 5K?

December 2

Reindeer Run

With the option to do either a half marathon or a 5K (don’t overachieve guys, just choose the 5K), the Reindeer Run 2018 is going off with a bang! At Main Beach Park in Fernandina Beach, the race will surely get you in the Christmas Spirit while you finish with your choice of ice cold beer, chocolate milk, Christmas cookies, and more.

#FrayLife Tip: They also have a 100-yard dash at 10:30 AM for all the fast people that don’t want to run far.

December 8

Festival of Lights

Let’s “kick off” this holiday season (see my pun?) on December 8th with a 5K that falls the same evening as San Marco’s Holiday Magic! If you want to see the magic, run fast and take advantage of the sleigh rides, jugglers, pictures with Santa, food & drinks, and much more after the race!

#FrayLife Tip: The 5K takes off at 6 PM so they have a cute LED light necklace you get for $5 if you want to shine in the dark!

Santa Suit on the Loose 5K

You really want to get in the spirit? Dress up in a Santa suit and run the Santa Suit on the Loose 5K. Come on, it’s an annual holiday event! The first 100 registrants receive a free Santa suit and all children registrants will receive a Santa-inspired T-shirt. What better way to get in the spirit?

December 21

Run Santa Run 5K

Does anyone need ANOTHER 5K where you can dress up like Santa and run? Great, I got one! December 21st at 6:30 PM, the Santa-suit-wearing 5K is going down with Christmas lights and music all along the course. There is even a candy cane, Hershey’s kiss, and cookie station. Everyone gets a Santa suit and everyone gets hot chocolate. Need I say more?

December 31

Vystar New Year’s Eve Run

Talk about a way to ring in the New Year…with a RACE. At the Jacksonville Landing, get your race shoes ready for take-off at 2 PM for this New Year’s Eve Run. Don’t worry, you still have plenty of time afterwards to get ready for a real celebration at midnight.

#FrayLife Tip: Awards go to the top 3 men and women overall, so if you’re even a little fast, sign up!

Whenever in December!

There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays 5K & 10K

– A VIRTUAL run?! Yes, a VIRTUAL run. What you must do for this one is pick your course, time yourself, and report your results to the National Health Care for the Homeless Council. They are donating 15% of registration costs to the homeless and truly celebrating the holiday season!

#FrayLife Tip: You just complete this race any time in December, so it’s a good one to do if you want to pay a low $18 and motivate yourself to run without the whole crowded environment.

If you’re in great race shape, looking to lose weight, trying to play outside, or just seriously bored and trying to find something to do, sign up for one of these holiday runs in Jacksonville! And, if you’re okay with going the extra mile (another easy running pun), maybe try to run the whole thing in a Santa Suit. That, my friends, is the true holiday spirit.

Maybe you’re the type who prefers to just watch others be active. The Jaguars, perhaps? Well if you’re going to be a spectator, do it the right way. Here’s how!

View More Articles By Lexi Aughenbaugh

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