Run Manatee Returns in 2026 With Three Scenic 5K Races Across the County
After a sold-out first season, the Run Manatee events team has announced a new three-race 5K series set for 2026, offering participants the opportunity to experience Manatee County’s parks, beaches, and preserves throughout the year.
The 2026 Run Manatee series will feature one race each in the spring, summer, and fall, with courses designed to highlight the area’s natural beauty. The first race is scheduled for Saturday, April 11, at Tom Bennett Park, kicking off the series with a scenic run suitable for a wide range of fitness levels.
Early-bird registration is now open, with individual races priced at $35 each or $90 for all three races in the series. Participants can learn more or register through mymanatee.org/runmanatee, including signing up directly for the opening race at Tom Bennett Park.
Each event is designed as a community-focused wellness experience, featuring a warm-up session, a yoga cool-down, and local wellness and fitness vendors. Music, healthy food options, and a welcoming atmosphere are planned to encourage runners and walkers to bring friends and family and connect with others in the community.
All registered participants will receive a dri-fit T-shirt and a finisher medal. Those who complete all three races will earn a special set of medals that connect together at the end of the series, marking completion of the full Run Manatee experience.
