Lake Mary Run With a Hero 5K Returns Saturday Jan. 24, 2026

Lake Mary will host its annual Run With a Hero 5K and kids' run on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, organizers confirmed. Sponsored by Orlando Health, the on-site event is a recurring community and health fundraiser that pairs an organized road race with demonstrations, family programming and community booths designed to strengthen ties between residents and public-safety agencies.

The event traditionally draws runners of all ages and families for a morning of exercise and outreach. Race-day activities usually include kid-friendly events, safety demonstrations from local fire and police units, and informational booths staffed by community groups and service providers. The combination of athletic programming and public-safety participation creates a platform for veterans, active-duty military members, first responders and law enforcement to interact with residents outside formal settings.

For Seminole County, Run With a Hero serves multiple local purposes. It promotes physical activity and wellness while functioning as a fundraiser that supports community and health-related causes. The presence of uniformed personnel and public-safety displays also provides a low-barrier setting for community members to learn about emergency response, youth safety programs and volunteer opportunities. Those interactions can help build trust between residents and agencies and create informal channels for questions about services, recruitment and local emergency preparedness.

Public events that feature government and corporate partners also raise questions about transparency and accountability. Residents attending the run will have a chance to ask direct questions about public-safety staffing, community programs and how funds raised by local events are distributed. Organizers’ disclosure of beneficiaries and fundraising totals helps preserve community confidence in civic fundraising, particularly when events carry a health or public-safety focus and are supported by private sponsors.

Details such as race start times, registration, course maps and on-site logistics are typically posted by event organizers in advance. Residents planning to participate or attend should check the official Lake Mary event resources for updates and arrive early to accommodate parking and family activities. Run With a Hero remains one of Seminole County’s notable winter community events, combining civic engagement, health promotion and family-oriented programming in a single morning.