Marion County Run for the Springs
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Event overview
Run for the Springs is a winter trail run presented by ECS. The event is a family-friendly 5K held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Silver Springs State Park in Ocala, Florida. The race includes a children's area, refreshments, and door prizes. Medals are awarded to the top three male and female runners in each age bracket, and a Traveling Cup is awarded to the fastest-running team.
Course and competition
The 5K is run on park trails through Florida woods. As a trail run, the course includes unpaved and uneven surfaces such as loose and slippery rocks, tree roots, sand, asphalt, and gravel; participants are asked to take caution and run or walk at their own risk. Age brackets are 0-16, 17-24, 25-34, 35-44, 45-54, and 55+. Teams must have a minimum of three registered runners; team scoring uses the fastest average time of the top three runners.
Registration, shirts, and proceeds
Online registration is available with a listed entry fee of $30. Registered runners receive a T-shirt and a bag of goodies while supplies last. There is an option to upgrade to a long-sleeve UPF 50 shirt for an additional fee. Early packet pick-up is scheduled the week before the race at the Marion County Office of the County Engineer. Proceeds are returned to Marion County residents and businesses as grants to support septic maintenance and spring protection. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
