
From the Organizer
Research shows that participating in regular physical activity can help improve your brain health, strengthen bones and muscles, reduce the risk of disease, assist with weight management and increase your ability to do everyday activities. The Florida Department of Health in Citrus County (DOH-Citrus) is pleased to host the 11th Annual Hybrid version of the annual "Save a Heart 5K" event to get residents and visitors moving at no cost and help improve your fitness as well as your mood!
Each year, DOH-Citrus hosts the no-cost event to spotlight World Heart Day (September 29), an observance held to raise awareness of the benefits of physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight and making good lifestyle choices as the best ways to prevent heart disease and stroke.
Registration for the in-person AND virtual events opens Friday August 1 and closes Monday, September 16. The first 200 individuals to register will receive a commemorative T-Shirt and Swag bag!
Those participating in the In-person event on September 20 will meet at the Pavilion in Whispering Pines Park, 1700 Forest Drive, Inverness, FL. The race start time is 9am!
Participants can upload their distance, times and activities on the event website beginning on Sunday, Sept. 14 until Saturday, Sept. 20. Individuals can participate at their own pace, time and location, either separately or within teams, as they track their preferred measure through different activities, such as walking, running, cycling, swimming, paddle/rowing, yoga, kickboxing, tai-chi, among others. Those participating in virtual will be emailed directions on how to upload results.
Participants who register will receive a commemorative 5K t-shirt along with other SWAG while supplies last. Swag bag pick up will be at the IFAS building next to the DOH-Citrus Lecanto building at 3650 West Sovereign Path, Lecanto, FL 34461 under the Portico. Swag Bag pick up dates and times are as follows:
Monday, September 15, 2025 - 2 - 4 p.m.
Tuesday, September 16, 2025 - 9 - 11 a.m.
Thursday, September 18, 2025 - 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
89°
Typical Low
70°
Chance of Rain
43%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Inverness 3 Se, 3 mi from the venue.
Host City
Elevation
38 ft
Nearest Airport
GNV
Gainesville Regional Airport · 59 mi
Major Hub
TPA
Tampa International Airport · 61 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at 12th Annual Save A Heart Hybrid 5K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
97
Days to train
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From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
12th Annual Save A Heart Hybrid 5K
Sep 13, 2026