Central Winds Park in Winter Springs hosts the Miles of Thanks 5K on Saturday, November 21, the Saturday before Thanksgiving. The race is the newest signature event of the Oviedo-Winter Springs Regional Chamber of Commerce, it is presented by Orlando Health, and a portion of the proceeds goes to two local groups that provide meals to families during the holidays: HOPE Helps and Meals on Wheels.

The race starts at 8 a.m. at the park, 1000 Central Winds Drive, on the south side of Lake Jesup in Seminole County, Florida. The chamber asks runners to arrive early, and the city's calendar lists the event from 7 a.m. to noon.

Four ways to enter

Registration runs through RunSignup, and the race is split into four entries:

  • Adult 5K run or walk, chip timed: $40, ages 18 and up. The price climbed in steps from $30 in August, and $40 is the final rate.
  • Youth 5K run or walk, chip timed: $20, ages 5 to 17. Youth runners must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Dog 5K run or walk: $15 per dog. Registered dogs get a racing bandana.
  • Virtual 5K: for anyone who wants to take part and give without coming to the park.

Every registered participant gets a T-shirt and a finisher's medal. Online registration stays open until the morning of the race, closing at 7:30 a.m. for the adult race.

Awards

The chamber is giving age-group awards. Youth groups are 9 and under, 10 to 13 and 14 to 17. Adult groups are 18 to 24, 25 to 30, 31 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, 60 to 69 and 70 and older.

Packet pickup around town

Bibs and shirts can be collected at four stops in Winter Springs and Oviedo in the days before the race:

  • Wednesday, November 18, 4 to 7 p.m.: OWS Chamber office, 1511 E. State Road 434, Suite 2001, Winter Springs.
  • Thursday, November 19, 7 to 9 a.m.: The Human Bean, 234 E. State Road 434, Winter Springs.
  • Thursday, November 19, 4 to 7 p.m.: The Crazy Cork Wine Bar, 940 City Plaza Way, Oviedo.
  • Friday, November 20, 4 to 7 p.m.: Rock & Brews, 7131 Red Bug Lake Road, Oviedo.

Where the money goes

The chamber says a share of the race proceeds will be donated to HOPE Helps and Meals on Wheels to support their holiday meal programs for individuals and families in need. Runners who cannot make it can still give through the race's donation page on RunSignup, and businesses can sign on as sponsors through the chamber's event page.

The chamber, based in Winter Springs with a mailing address in Oviedo, also runs the annual Taste of Oviedo and a golf tournament as its other signature events. The 5K is the newest addition to that list.

Back at the park two weeks later

Central Winds Park is also the setting for the City of Winter Springs' 44th annual Winter Wonderland on Saturday, December 5, from 4 to 8 p.m., with a parade, a tree lighting and a walk-through, according to the city's calendar. Closer at hand, the Winter Springs Farmers Market meets at Trotwood Park, 701 Northern Way, on Sunday, November 15, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

How to take part

Register at runsignup.com/Race/FL/WinterSprings/MilesOfThanks5k, pick up a packet at one of the four stops, and be at Central Winds Park before the 8 a.m. start on Saturday, November 21. Questions go to the chamber at 407-365-6500 or info@owsrcc.org.

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