Running Scared 5K
Running Scared 5K is a running race on October 3, 2026 in Fort Myers, FL, with an entry fee of $35.
- Date
- October 3, 2026 (72 days to go)
- Price
- $35
- Sport
- Running
From the Organizer
Join us for the 2026 Running Scared 5K – Pumpkin Challenge on Saturday, October 3rd, 2026 at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU)! This year we’re switching things up with a morning race starting at 8:30 AM, bringing the same high-energy fun to an exciting new location. Lace up your running shoes and get ready for a race that supports an incredible cause — all proceeds benefit Special Olympics Florida.
But remember — this is not your ordinary 5K… this is the Pumpkin Challenge!
Are you ready to test your strength and endurance? In the Pumpkin Challenge, you won’t just run the course — you’ll carry a pumpkin along the way! At the start of the race, you’ll have the option to choose from pumpkins placed at various points throughout the course. Smaller pumpkins near the start must be carried the longest distance. As you move along the course, the pumpkins get bigger — but the distance you carry them gets shorter. Will you go light and long, heavy and short, or find the perfect balance in between? The choice is yours! And yes — the pumpkin you carry is yours to keep as you get ready for fall.
In addition to the race, participants can enjoy a fun, festive atmosphere with community activities and post-race excitement. It’s a morning filled with fitness, laughter, and purpose.
Race Details
Saturday, October 3rd, 2026
Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU)
Start Time: 8:30 AM
5K Awards
Overall Male & Female – 1st, 2nd, 3rd
Age Groups (awards based on net chip time):
0–10 | 11–19 | 20–29 | 30–39 | 40–49 | 50–59 | 60–69 | 70+
Top 3 Male & Female in each category will be awarded.
All participants will receive a Running Scared t-shirt and a finisher’s medal.
Packet Pickup
Packet pickup will be held at Fleet Feet Fort Myers and on race morning prior to the start
Friday October 2nd 2026 at Fleet Feet Fort Myers 5:00-7:00pm
Race Moring at FGCU 7:30am-8:15am
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
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
88°
Typical Low
73°
Chance of Rain
39%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Ft Myers Sw Fl Rgnl Ap, 5 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Fort Myers, FL
City Elevation
15 ft
Nearest Airport
RSW
Southwest Florida International Airport · 6 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
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Running Scared 5K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
72
Days to train
- Race
- Running Scared 5K
- Date
- October 3, 2026
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From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
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.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are an accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Coming Up
More Running races near Fort Myers, FL
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Partners Pink Run, Presented by Worthington Realty
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Rockin Around the Bell Tower, Presented by Worthington Realty
1 Mile · 5K · From $37.50 · 13499 S Cleveland Ave
8 miles away
Plan your trip
Make it a Racecation
Coming from out of town? There's more to Fort Myers than race day. We'll help you line up nearby lodging, flights, a rental car, and things to do so you can make the most of your racecation.
Plan your trip to Fort MyersFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Running Scared 5K
Oct 3, 2026