
From the Organizer
Celebrate freedom, community, and America’s 250th birthday at the Stars & Strides 5K hosted by the Lake Butler Rotary Club! Join runners, walkers, and families on the shores of beautiful Butler Lake for a festive Independence Day race filled with patriotic spirit, lakeside scenery, and small-town American pride. Come and join our community in fellowship and an unforgettable race atmosphere.
The course begins and ends at the lake, taking participants on a scenic route through the heart of Lake Butler before returning to the waterfront finish line celebration. Whether you are racing for a personal best, walking with family, or simply celebrating our nation’s history, the Stars & Strides 5K is designed for all ages and fitness levels.
Participants will receive a patriotic race shirt and a custom finisher’s medal.
All proceeds from the race benefit the Lake Butler Rotary Club and support projects that strengthen and serve the local community throughout the year.
Celebrate liberty, community, and 250 years of American spirit at the Stars & Strides 5K!
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
93°
Typical Low
74°
Chance of Rain
42%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Starke, 15 mi from the venue.
Host City
City Elevation
144 ft
Nearest Airport
GNV
Gainesville Regional Airport · 23 mi
Major Hub
JAX
Jacksonville International Airport · 53 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Stars & Strides 5K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
17
Days to train
Coming Up
48th Annual Jack Gamble Melon Run
25 miles away
Family Reach 5k & Fun Run
21 miles away
FTC Short and Long Trail Run
17 miles away
Howl-o-ween 5k - Gainesville
26 miles away
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)
Stars & Strides 5K
Jul 4, 2026