
From the Organizer
The Polk State College Physical Therapist Assistant and Occupational Therapy Assistant programs are hosting a 5K on the Winter Haven Campus to promote community wellness, raise awareness of the PTA and OTA programs, and fundraise for the programs.
Polk State’s highly reputable OTA and PTA programs enjoy strong records of success, with graduates of the OTA Program boasting a 95% pass rate and graduates of the PTA Program achieving a 100% pass rate on their licensure exams, exceeding national and state averages.
This years course will start on the Polk State College Campus, and head out and run around the new finished path around Lake Elbert and head back to the finish line back on campus. (Course Map will be uploaded soon!)
Participants will receive a T-shirt and race bib. (Shirts and sizes are guaranteed if pre-registered before September 1, 2026. After this date, shirts are available while supplies last.) A finisher medal will be handed out at the finish line.
Early Race Packet pickup: TBD depending on Registrations
Awards to the Top Overall Male and Female and Top 3 Male and Females in 5 year Age groups (9&Under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29 etc up to 70+)
Businesses and individuals who are interested in sponsoring the event can email pta@polk.edu or ota@polk.edu .
Those who are interested in Polk State’s OTA and PTA programs can visit http://polk.edu/ota and http://polk.edu/pta.
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
88°
Typical Low
72°
Chance of Rain
38%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Winter Haven, 1 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
52,846
as of 2023
Elevation
125 ft
Nearest Airport
LAL
Lakeland Linder International Airport · 19 mi
Major Hub
MCO
Orlando International Airport · 38 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Warriors For Wellness 5k, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
117
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)
Warriors For Wellness 5k
Oct 3, 2026