Iconic downtown race to celebrate 50 years of runners, community and Orlando tradition
ORLANDO, FL (April 9, 2026) – Track Shack Events has announced registration is now open for this year’s OUC Orlando Half Marathon, set for Saturday, December 5, 2026 in downtown Orlando. The event marks the 50th running of one of Florida’s longest-standing road races and is expected to draw approximately 5,000 participants for a weekend of races and community celebration around Lake Eola Park.
To kick off the anniversary year, Track Shack debuted a 50th running video on April 7 – “407 Day”, a celebration of Orlando’s hometown pride tied to the region’s area code. The video captures the spirit, history and community impact of the event and introduces the theme for the anniversary season. It can be viewed by clicking here.
“For 50 years, the OUC Orlando Half Marathon has been more than a race; it’s a celebration of our community, our city and the runners who make it unforgettable,” said Jon Hughes, co-owner of Track Shack Family of Companies. “What makes this milestone special is more than just the history. It’s the thousands of personal stories, traditions and connections that have grown alongside this race. We’re proud to carry that legacy forward and continue building an experience that inspires people to show up, challenge themselves and be part of something bigger.”
Founded in 1977 by the City of Orlando as the Tangerine Bowl Half Marathon, the event is recognized as Florida’s first half marathon and has been held in downtown Orlando for 49 consecutive years. The 2026 race marks its 50th running.
“The OUC Orlando Half Marathon showcases the distinctive atmosphere and spirit of downtown Orlando and has forged new paths in the creation of sustainable athletic events,” said Linda Ferrone, Chief Customer & Marketing Officer for OUC–The Reliable One. “OUC is privileged to have been a partner in shaping its legacy into a truly unique event that represents the character of the Orlando destination, the heart of our community, and an unparalleled commitment to the environment.”
Race Weekend Experience
The OUC Orlando Half Marathon anchors a full weekend of running events:
Bib Pickup & Expo presented by Brooks – Thursday & Friday, December 3-4, 2026
OUC Orlando Half Marathon (13.1 miles) – Saturday, December 5, 2026
Suncoast Credit Union Lake Eola 5K – Sunday, December 6, 2026
DTO 16.2 Challenge presented by Orangetheory Fitness – combines both races for a 16.2-mile weekend experience
The 5K benefits WESH 2’s Share Your Christmas Food & Fund Drive in support of Second Harvest Food Bank, giving participants an opportunity to give back during the holiday season.
The DTO 16.2 Challenge offers runners a two-day race experience with exclusive medals, gear and additional perks.
Registration Details
Registration is open at OrlandoHalfMarathon.com. The pricing structure for each of the three race opportunities that weekend is as follows:
OUC Orlando Half Marathon
$130 through June 30
$140 July 1 – Oct. 12
$150 Oct. 13 – Nov. 23
$160 Nov. 24 – race weekend
Suncoast Credit Union Lake Eola 5K
$45 through June 30
$55 July 1 – Oct. 12
$60 Oct. 13 – Nov. 23
$65 Nov. 24 – race weekend
DTO 16.2 Challenge presented by Orangetheory Fitness
$160 (first 500 registrants)
$195 through June 30
$210 July 1 – Oct. 12
$230 Oct. 13 – Nov. 23
$245 Nov. 24 – race weekend
Groups of three or more receive 15% off with code friendsandfamily.
Honoring the Past, Building the Future
The 50th running will be celebrated through a season-long storytelling campaign, including the “77 to Now” social series highlighting the evolution of the race, the city and the running community over time.
The 2026 event will also debut a new Intellectual Impairments Division, expanding opportunities for adaptive athletes and reinforcing the event’s commitment to inclusion. The race weekend also features an Athlete Development Program designed to support and inspire the next generation of American distance runners, including those with aspirations of competing on the global stage in events such as the LA 2028 Olympic Games. Athletes in the program will compete for a $23,000 prize purse.
Approximately 5,000 participants are expected across race weekend, which supports a range of community initiatives. Beneficiaries include the Track Shack Youth Foundation, which funds youth health and fitness programs; the Florida Citrus Sports Foundation, which supports youth and community development; the Orlando-Urayasu Sister City Program, fostering cultural exchange; and WESH 2’s Share Your Christmas Food & Fund Drive, benefiting Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.
For more information or to register, visit OrlandoHalfMarathon.com. Follow on social media at @OrlandoHalfMarathon on Instagram and on Facebook at ouchalfmarathonand5K.
About the OUC Orlando Half Marathon
Forty-nine years running, the OUC Orlando Half Marathon has been one of the top half marathons in the southeast. The OUC Orlando Half Marathon has received Silver and Gold certifications by the Council for Responsible Sport. It is the first event in Florida to earn any level certification by the Council, the world’s leading sustainability certification program dedicated to supporting, certifying, and celebrating responsible sports events and organizations. OrlandoHalfMarathon.com
About OUC—The Reliable One
For more than 100 years, OUC—The Reliable One has provided exceptional value to its customers and community through the delivery of sustainable and reliable services and solutions. The utility provides electric, water, chilled water, lighting and solar services to more than 400,000 accounts in Orlando, St. Cloud and parts of unincorporated Orange and Osceola counties. As OUC prepares for the next century, it remains committed to its goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 while supporting its community with conservation, sustainability and energy efficiency resources. Visit www.ouc.com to learn more.
About the Track Shack Family of Companies
Track Shack of Orlando opened for business in 1977 as a small retail operation focused on selling running shoes and apparel. Owners Jon and Betsy Hughes were awarded Florida’s Retailer of the Year 2015 by the Florida Retail Federation. Jon and Betsy also own Track Shack Events, a sports marketing company that specializes in marketing, management, and production of active lifestyle events. The award-winning professional staff has earned Track Shack Events a reputation as one of America’s top sports marketing companies. Track Shack Events co-produced the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Marathon in Orlando. The mission of Track Shack Events is that each event produced will benefit the entire community – runners and walkers, sponsors, and charities. Run to TrackShack.com.