Matanzas 5000
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Event overview
The Matanzas 5000 is a road 5K held annually in St. Augustine, Florida. The 46th edition is scheduled for January 24, 2026 and starts and finishes at Francis Field, 25 W Castillo Dr, St. Augustine, FL 32084. The event is promoted as "Florida's fastest 5K" and is part of the Jacksonville Grand Prix series. Race proceeds benefit youth running programs in St. Johns County and the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind; the organizing club reports more than $300,000 donated to local programs since 1989.
Course, awards and logistics
The course is USATF-certified (FL12049EBM) and described as a flat 3.1-mile route through historic downtown St. Augustine, including the bay front, historic neighborhoods, and past Flagler College. Timing is provided by 1st Place Sports using chip timing; participants must cross the timing mats to appear in official results. Results include both chip and gun times.
The advertised prize pool is $4,000 with cash awards for top finishers and masters categories. Age group awards are given for male and female divisions across standard age brackets from 9 & under up to 75+ with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each group.
Packet pickup is offered at two locations the day before and the morning of the race. Parking options near the finish include a nearby garage, street parking, Orange Street lots, a metered Castillo de San Marcos lot, and free parking at Prince of Peace Catholic Church. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
