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5k Group Training Program

 📍 Lakeland Library | Lakeland, FL 
📅 10 Saturdays | January 17 through March 21, 2026
🕖 7:00 AM

Registration Closes Feb 1, 2026

Training + Race Entry
Group Training Only

5k Training Standalone

Price: $16.90
incl. $1.90 Fee
Race entry is not included.

Meet Up Address

100 Lake Morton Dr
Black & Brew Bistro - Library Location
Lakeland, FL 33801 US View Location on Map

Map

Training Information

This race is held by the Lakeland Runners Club, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to promote running and fitness for people of all ages and abilities in the community. 

• 5k Training •

What makes our program stand out? Your $60 entry fee includes:

Expert Guidance: Led by Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) certified running coaches, you'll receive top-notch guidance.

Inclusive Atmosphere: Whether you're a runner, run/walker, or walker, you're an invaluable part of our community.

Flexible Training Plans: Choose from our tailored training plans - whether it's the 3-day, 4-day, or 5-day options - designed to cater to both beginners easing into running and intermediates seeking to enhance their performance.

In-Person Group Runs: Experience the thrill of camaraderie during our Saturday group runs.

Private Discussion Group: Join our exclusive community to build connections, share experiences, and ask questions. It's a platform designed to support your journey every step of the way!

Custom Technical Training Shirt: Gear up with a specially designed shirt to complement your training and proudly represent your dedication to the program.

Entry into the Bonnet Springs Park 5k: Your participation includes entry into the Bonnet Springs Park 5k, providing the perfect opportunity to put your training to the test in a fun and engaging event!


Fitness Requirements

You do not need to be a runner to join the 5k Training. Walkers are welcome, and we will have pace groups every 30 seconds from 9:00 min/mile to 16:30 min/mile (that's 16 pace groups!). To reduce the risk of injury and to maximize your ability to complete the program, we recommend that you currently be able to walk, run/walk, or run for 30 to 60 minutes a minimum of three times per week. The program starts with a 30 minute run (includes walking or run/walking) and builds from there for the Bonnet Springs Park 5k on March 28.


Our Community

Once you have completed your registration, you can come back here and request to join the 5k Training Strava Group.  Your name will be matched to the registration before you are accepted into the group, so please choose a user name that we can match.

New to Strava?  Check out our Intro to Strava page before the program kicks off. 

Youth Participants

Recommendations from the Road Runnrs Club of America

Running in a kids fun run or youth track event can be a great experience for kids. For children 5 and under focus on “dash” events that range from a few yards to 400 meters. For children 5 and over, kids fun runs that are a ½ to 1 mile long may be considered, but allow for a combination of running and walking. Children ages 12 and over may want to participate in a 5K run. These are general guidelines and the distance a child can physically and emotionally tolerate will depend on the individual, however, longer distances (10K and over) should wait until after puberty.

Founded in 1958, the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) is the oldest and largest national association of runners and running organizations dedicated to growing the sport of running. The RRCA uses the term “running” to encompass the broad spectrum of “running” in the US, including competitive running, jogging, fitness walking, race walking, and wheelchair fitness/racing on roads, trails, and tracks.


Youth aged 8 and up are able to participate in the 5k Training Program.  Youth under the age of 16 should have an adult register who is able to run with them.

Bonnet Springs Park 5k Course Map

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