ORLANDO, Fla. (November 4, 2026) – The streets of downtown Orlando will come alive with music, community cheer zones and local running groups on Saturday, Dec. 5, as the OUC Orlando Half Marathon prepares for its 50th running with an increased capacity to 5,000 participants. Florida’s first half marathon will feature a 13.1-mile course that pairs the city’s running tradition with an energetic mix of entertainment and community spirit.
The half marathon begins at 7:15 a.m., starting and finishing on East Central Boulevard outside Lake Eola Park. The course takes participants through downtown Orlando and surrounding neighborhoods, including Eola Heights, the Milk District, Lake Davis, Delaney Park and the Hourglass District.
Nine water stops and a lineup of on-course entertainment will keep participants moving toward the finish at Lake Eola Park. Highlights include the Orlando Gay Chorus, DJ Dale Smith (known as That Run Club Guy) and dancing violinist Jordan Caswell, along with appearances by UCF’s Knightro mascot, Santa and the Grinch.
New this year, Daylite Orlando will bring its focus on music, creativity and community to the 50th running. The Orlando-based collective, known for bringing together local DJs, artists, businesses and creators, will power a DJ entertainment zone near mile 12.6 and host the Post-Race Remix at Lake Eola Park, featuring DJs Chino and Rupesh.
The partnership reflects Track Shack Events’ goal of showcasing Orlando’s arts, culture and community throughout its events while connecting with a new generation of participants.
“Reaching 50 years is a milestone worth celebrating, and our team has worked incredibly hard to create an experience that reflects what makes this event special,” said Katelyn Presti, senior event manager for Track Shack Events and race director for the OUC Orlando Half Marathon. “We’re bringing together the neighborhoods, music and running community that make Orlando such a great place to run. Whether you’re chasing a personal best or taking on 13.1 miles for the first time, we want every participant to feel that energy and support all the way to the finish line.”
The course will also bring together communities from across Central Florida. Ten local run clubs will be represented at water stops branded to reflect each club’s identity. The lineup includes Orlando Runners Club, DT Sanford Run Club, Full Throttle Run Club (formerly Universal RC), Run DTO, Milk District Run Club, Black Girls Run! Orlando, GRO RUN CLUB, Hunter’s Creek Running Club, Winter Garden Runners and Park Brewing Run Club. Their involvement reflects the breadth of the region’s running community and the role it plays in making the 50th running a regional celebration.
WHERE TO WATCH
Spectators can join the celebration at five designated viewing locations along the 13.1-mile course:
· Mile 2.7 – Festival Park: UCF’s Knightro will greet spectators and cheer on participants at an early-course cheer zone.
· Mile 3.3 – Cherry Tree Park: The Orlando Gay Chorus will perform as participants make their way through the neighborhood.
· Mile 9.2 – Lake Davis: Lakeside views and a spirited Santa-versus-The Grinch showdown.
· Mile 11.2 – Delaney Park: A neighborhood cheer zone as participants head toward the finish.
· Mile 12.6 – Daylite Orlando powered by Chevy: Music and high-energy encouragement along Rosalind Ave. between Anderson and Pine streets as participants approach the finish.
For the safety of participants and spectators, spectators must remain off the half marathon course.
Gatorade will be available at every water stop. GU energy gels will be available near mile 8.5, and medical tents near miles 5 and 10 will offer on-course support.
As the race celebrates its 50th running, the event continues a tradition that began in 1977 as the Tangerine Bowl Road Race. Over five decades, the OUC Orlando Half Marathon has grown into an annual fixture on Orlando’s sports calendar, bringing runners and walkers together from across Central Florida and beyond.
The weekend also includes the Suncoast Credit Union Lake Eola 5K on Sunday, Dec. 6, benefiting WESH 2’s Share Your Christmas food and fund drive for Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Participants can take on both distances through the DTO 16.2 Challenge, which combines the half marathon and 5K.
Registration and course information are available at OrlandoHalfMarathon.com. Follow on social media at @OrlandoHalfMarathon on Instagram and on Facebook at ouchalfmarathonand5K.