When the race runs, what it costs, how the kids' run works, and what happens after the finish.

Run Nona 5K and Nemours Children's Run logo

By David Myers, Broker Associate · NonaOrlandoProperties.com · Last updated September 2026

The Run Nona 5K and Nemours Children's Run is an annual evening race at Lake Nona Town Center, organized by Track Shack. It is historically held in the fall; the 2026 race was on Saturday, September 19. The children's run normally starts at 5:30 PM and the 5K at 6:30 PM, followed by a block party. 5K entry typically runs $40 to $55 depending on when you register, and the children's run $15 to $30. The 5K is chip timed, with awards for overall finishers and for the top Lake Nona residents.

Run Nona is the one race in Lake Nona built around the evening: kids run at dusk, adults start after, and the night ends with a block party at Town Center. That makes it as much a community event as a race.

An earlier version of this post called it a summer event. The 2026 race ran on September 19, and registration opens months ahead at rising prices, so the timing matters more than the old post suggested.

What is the Run Nona 5K?

The Run Nona 5K and Nemours Children's Run is an annual chip-timed evening 5K and children's run at Lake Nona Town Center, organized by Track Shack.

The race is staged at Lake Nona Town Center, and the race ends at a block party with food and a live band. Both races include a shirt and a finisher medal.

Run Nona at a glance
Organizer Track Shack
When Historically in the fall (September 19 in 2026)
Start times Children's run normally 5:30 PM; 5K normally 6:30 PM
5K entry Typically $40 to $55, rising closer to race day
Children's run entry Typically $15 to $30
Where Lake Nona Town Center, 6941 Lake Nona Blvd
Includes Shirt, finisher medal, block party

When is Run Nona held?

Run Nona is historically held in the fall, and the 2026 race was on Saturday, September 19.

The date has moved around over the years, so don't assume the same weekend twice. Track Shack posts the next date and opens registration months ahead, and the entry fee rises in steps as race day approaches, so registering early is the main way to save money.

How much does Run Nona cost?

Run Nona 5K entry typically costs $40 to $55 and the children's run $15 to $30, with prices rising the closer you register to race day.

For 2026, the 5K was $40 through May 10, $45 through August 9, $50 through September 13 and $55 race week. The children's run followed the same schedule at $15, $20, $25 and $30. Runners 17 and under and 65 and over got $10 off the 5K.

Entries are non-refundable, and bib swaps are prohibited. If your plans might change, wait to register rather than counting on a transfer.

How does the Nemours Children's Run work?

The Nemours Children's Run is recommended for children 12 and under, with distances from 100 yards to 1 mile by age group.

It starts before the 5K, normally at 5:30 PM, so parents can watch their children finish and still make the adult start. The Nemours Children's Zone opens earlier in the afternoon with face painting, bounce houses and a shaved-ice truck. The run is named for Nemours Children's Hospital in Lake Nona.

What is the Run Nona race-night schedule?

Race night normally runs from about 4 PM, when the children's zone opens, through an 8 PM block party in Town Center.

The 2026 schedule was: children's zone opens at 4 PM, children's run at 5:30, largest-team award at 6:15, 5K start at 6:30, 5K awards at 7:30, and the block party at 8. Expect a similar order each year, with the exact times confirmed on the race page.

Who benefits from Run Nona?

Proceeds from the 2026 race benefited the Lake Nona Life Project, an IRB-approved health and wellness research study in the community.

Teams can also enter a Team Challenge, presented by Dream Finders Homes in 2026, where the winning team earns $500 for its chosen charity. It gives workplaces and groups a reason to enter together.

Pros, Cons and Our Take

Pros

  • Evening start and a block party make it a social event, not just a race.
  • A separate, age-grouped children's run makes it easy to bring the whole family.
  • Awards for top Lake Nona residents give local runners something to compete for.
  • Chip timing and a shirt and medal at a modest entry fee.

Cons

  • Entries are non-refundable and bibs cannot be transferred.
  • Prices climb in steps, so late registration costs more.
  • The date moves from year to year, which makes it hard to plan far ahead.
  • Central Florida evenings in early fall are still warm, even after sunset.

Our Take

Run Nona is a good first race for families and a relaxed one for regular runners: short, local, in the evening and followed by a party. Register early to lock in the lowest price, bring the kids for the children's run, and stay for the block party. Runners chasing a fast time should note the warm conditions.

What the Neighbors Know

Run Nona is a race where finishers stay around afterward. With a resident awards category, team entries and a block party at Town Center, the evening ends up being as much about seeing neighbors as about the result.

For the rest of the year's events, see our Lake Nona events guide.

Official Sources

Buying or selling in Lake Nona? Call/Text David Myers at 407.801.3286 or use the contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Run Nona 5K?

Run Nona is historically held in the fall. The 2026 race was on Saturday, September 19. Track Shack posts the next date on its race page.

How much does the Run Nona 5K cost?

5K entry typically costs $40 to $55, rising as race day approaches. The children's run typically costs $15 to $30.

What time does the Run Nona 5K start?

The children's run normally starts at 5:30 PM and the 5K at 6:30 PM, with a block party at 8 PM.

How old do kids have to be for the Nemours Children's Run?

The Nemours Children's Run is recommended for children 12 and under, with distances from 100 yards to 1 mile by age group.

Can I get a refund or transfer my Run Nona bib?

No. Entries are non-refundable and bib swaps are prohibited.