49th Lake to Lake 10k | Lakeland, FL

🏃‍♂️ Event Overview

• Organizer: 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.
• History: Join the LRC for the 49th annual Lake to Lake 10k! This race is the oldest annual race in Polk County and runs on residential streets and paved running paths through the Lakeland chain of lakes and the historic Lake Morton district, encompassing three lakes during the course.
• Participants: Walkers are welcome at this event, there is a minimum pace requirement of 16:00 min/mile.
• Course Certification: The Lake to Lake 10k is held on a USATF-certified course (FL20027JK) and is chip-timed.

📅 Race Date & Location

• Date: November 1, 2025.
• Location: 121 S Lake Ave, Lakeland, FL.
• URL: For more details, visit the official race page at Lake to Lake 10k.
• Community Support: Thank you to the Denis L Fontaine Foundation for their support since 1994: a donation from the 5k will benefit the YMCA of Central Florida.

🏁 Race Start

• Time: The race starts at 7:30 AM on Rose St near the intersection with N Ingraham Ave, about 1/4 mile from the packet pickup location on Lake Mirror.
• Parking: Street parking is available throughout downtown Lakeland and in the three city parking garages.
• Preferred Garage: The preferred garage for the 5k is the Lakeland Electric garage on Orange St.
• Route: Runners will encounter a scenic route through Lakeland's lakes and parks.

📝 Registration

• Online Registration: Available through Tuesday, October 28 or until the race sells out.
• Onsite Registration: Will be open during packet pickup on October 31, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM, and again on November 1 from 5:00 to 7:00 AM.
• Payment Method: Onsite registration will accept cash or card.
• Packet Pickup: Details on packet pickup timings will be provided upon registration.

🎟️ Packet Pickup

• Early Pickup: Will be held Friday at the Cleveland Heights golf course clubhouse and on Saturday at the Tribute to the Volunteer Statue on the Frances Langford Promenade at Lake Mirror.
• Pickup Timing: October 31, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM and November 1, from 6:00 AM to 7:15 AM.
• Locations: Cleveland Heights Golf Club - 2900 Buckingham Ave, Lakeland, FL 33803 and the Tribute to the Volunteer Statue on the Frances Langford Promenade.
• Identification: Bring your registration confirmation for quicker pickup.

🗺️ Course Map

• Starting Point: The course starts on Rose Ave, and turns south onto Lake Ave, then West onto Orange.
• Key Locations: The course proceeds to Lake Morton, then onto Lake Hollingsworth before returning to Lake Morton via Success Ave.
• Ending Point: Runners climb Iowa Ave before descending to the finish on the Lake Mirror Promenade.
• Map Access: Please scroll down for map details on the official website.

🏆 Results & Awards

• Results Posting: You can find results on the Lakeland Runners Club website.
• Award Criteria: Overall male and female will be based on gun time: all other awards will be based on chip time.
• Categories: The LRC recognizes several age group placements.
• Awards Ceremony: Will be held after the final finisher, around 9:00 AM.

⚠️ Safety & Weather Guidelines

• Course Restrictions: No dogs, bicycles, roller skates, or in-line skates allowed on the course.
• Weather Monitoring: The event will be held rain or shine, with safety protocols in place for severe weather conditions.
• Heat Advisory: Participants are encouraged to stay hydrated and be mindful of weather conditions.
• Medical Assistance: If any health emergencies arise, please seek help immediately.

💵 Refund Policy

• Nonrefundable: This race is nonrefundable.
• Transfer Policy: If you can't attend, please initiate a registration transfer instead of just giving your bib to someone else.
• Deadline: Transfers must be completed one week before the race.
• Responsibility: LRC is not responsible for identifying individuals for the exchange.

📜 Race History

• Founding Year: The Lake to Lake 10k was founded in 1977.
• Record Holders: Tom Nohilly holds the race record with a time of 29:53, while Shelly Steely holds the female record at 33:48.
• Original Founders: Founded by Harold Walker and John Scimone.
• Community Tradition: This race continues to be a cherished tradition within the local community.