The short answer: Florida has plenty of Thanksgiving and holiday races that welcome older runners and walkers. Several give awards by age group up to 75 and older, and one has a free walk. Highlights include the 46th Tamarac Turkey Trot, the 47th Fort Myers Turkey Trot at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, the Space Coast Marathon on November 22, and the Florida Senior Games 5K on December 12. Entry fees and deadlines are below. Prices often go up close to race day.
Why Older Runners Like These Races
Many road races sort finishers by age. "Masters" usually means 40 and older, "grand masters" 50 and older, and "senior grand masters" 60 and older. Most races also give awards in five-year age groups. That means a 72-year-old competes against other people in their early 70s, not against 25-year-olds. Walking is welcome at most 5Ks, as long as you finish before the course closes.
Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trots: Thursday, November 26
- Tamarac Turkey Trot 5K (46th year), Tamarac. 7:30 AM at Tamarac City Hall, 7525 NW 88th Ave. A flat course certified by USA Track & Field (USATF), so finish times count for records and rankings. Age-group trophies run from 9 and under up to 75 and older. Proceeds go to the Parks and Recreation Foundation of Tamarac. Entry is about $35 to $40. Race page
- Fort Myers Turkey Trot 5K (47th year), Fort Myers. 7:30 AM, hosted by the Fort Myers Track Club at the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd. The 2026 course is new and runs from McGregor Blvd onto the historic Edison and Ford grounds. Adults $45. There is no race-day registration, so sign up ahead. Race page
- Coffee Pot Turkey Trot 5K, St. Petersburg. 7:45 AM (check-in from 6:30 AM) at North Shore Elementary, 200 35th Ave NE. A chip-timed loop around Coffee Pot Bayou, now in its 10th year, with overall and masters awards. Adults $48. Proceeds help the school's PTA. Race page
- Cocoa Beach Turkey Trot 5K, Cocoa Beach. 8:00 AM at Bailiwick Mall, 20 N Brevard Ave. A run or walk through the Cocoa Isles neighborhood, with master, grand master and senior grand master awards. $30 with a shirt or $25 without. Prices went up after November 15. Race page
Space Coast Marathon and Half Marathon: Sunday, November 22
The marathon starts at 6:00 AM and the half marathon at 6:15 AM, near Cocoa Riverfront Park. Race Central is at 401 Riveredge Blvd, Cocoa. The race gives awards for masters (40+), grand masters (50+) and senior grand masters (60+), plus five-year age groups up to 80 and older. It is also part of a "New Frontiers" challenge series that runs through 2029. If 13.1 miles is too far, the route along the Indian River is a nice place to cheer. Race FAQ
Holiday Races in December
- Saturday, December 5: Capital Health Plan Jingle Bell Run, Tallahassee. 6:15 PM downtown, during the Tallahassee Winter Festival. Stay for the 7:10 PM holiday parade. Official page
- Saturday, December 12: Florida Senior Games 5K Road Race and Power Walk, Sun West Park, Pasco County. This is part of the Florida Senior Games State Championships for athletes 50 and older. The 5K is one of the events that does not require a qualifying result. Official schedule
- December 12 and 13: Palm Beaches Marathon Weekend, West Palm Beach. Start and finish near Meyer Amphitheatre, 101 S Flagler Dr. On Saturday, the 5K and 10K start at 7:30 AM and the free Paley Walk starts at 9:30 AM. On Sunday, the marathon starts at 6:00 AM and the half marathon at 6:30 AM. Fees: 5K $50, 10K $70, half $125, marathon $150. Most prices go up after November 30. Race page
A Little Senior Games History
The Florida Senior Games began in 1992 in Bradenton with 712 athletes. The Games are now in their 34th year and are run by the Florida Sports Foundation. Recent State Championships have drawn about 2,000 athletes, and the 2024 Games had competitors from 36 states and seven other countries. Florida residents usually qualify by finishing in the top five of their age group at a local qualifying event. Out-of-state athletes and some sports, including the 5K and power walk, do not need to qualify. (Source: Florida Senior Games FAQ.) For age rules and how to register, read our Florida Senior Games 2026 guide.
Tips for Racing After 50, 60 or 70
- Talk to your doctor first if you are new to exercise, have a heart or lung condition, or take medicines that affect your heart rate or balance.
- Walking counts. Read the race's course time limit. Most 5Ks allow plenty of time for walkers.
- Start near the back. It is calmer, and you will not be bumped by faster runners.
- Dress for a cool start and a warm finish. Florida mornings can start cool and warm up quickly. Wear a layer you can tie around your waist.
- Drink water before and after. Take water at aid stations even if you do not feel thirsty.
- Sign up early. Prices go up, and some races, like Fort Myers, have no race-day sign-up.
- Plan your ride and parking. Roads close early on race morning. See our elderly transportation services page if you do not drive.
Not ready to race? A Matter of Balance workshops and local senior centers offer gentler ways to stay active. Browse senior activities in Florida or find a center in our senior resource directory.
More to Do This Season
See our roundup of free Florida holiday events for seniors, with tree lightings, boat parades and menorah lightings from late November to January. Every event is also on our Florida senior events calendar.
Planning ahead? See Florida winter races for runners and walkers 50+, from the Sarasota Half on January 9 to the Gate River Run on March 6.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, financial, or legal advice. Readers should consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical concerns, a financial advisor for financial planning, and an attorney for legal matters. The resources and programs mentioned are subject to eligibility requirements and availability, which may vary. While we strive for accuracy, the information provided may not reflect the most recent updates. Always verify details with official sources or professionals before making decisions based on this content.