The 2026 Cherrylake Farm Races, presented by Orlando Health South Lake Hospital, are scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Cherrylake, located at 7836 Cherry Lake Road in Groveland, Florida. Participants can expect cool, dry conditions typical of Central Florida in late January, with average lows in the upper 40s F and highs in the low 70s F, creating ideal temperatures for mixed-terrain racing. The event features a duathlon consisting of a 5k run, 20k bike, and 2.5k run, alongside separate 10k and 5k off-road trail runs. Set within a 1,100-acre working tree farm, the courses weave through clay and grass pathways lined with magnolias and natural lakes, offering a scenic yet challenging experience that supports local ecology, wildlife, and Lake County schools.
What is the event format?
The Cherrylake Farm Races blend off-road running and road cycling in a duathlon format, alongside standalone trail runs:
→Duathlon: 5k off-road run – 20k road bike – 2.5k off-road run
→10k Run: Off-road trail run through the 1,100-acre farm
→5k Run: Off-road trail run through the 1,100-acre farm
What distances are available?
The event offers three distinct race options:
→Duathlon: 5k run, 20k bike, and 2.5k run (ages 12–100)
→10k Run: Off-road trail run
→5k Run: Off-road trail run
What are the race start times?
All events begin in the morning on Saturday, January 31, 2026:
→Duathlon: 8:00 AM
→10k Run: 8:05 AM
→5k Run: 8:10 AM
What is the event schedule?
Key times for the race day are:
→Parking opens: 6:30 AM
→Packet pickup: 6:45 – 7:45 AM
→Duathlon transition opens: 7:00 AM; closes 7:50 AM
→Awards ceremony: 9:45 AM
How much does registration cost?
Registration fees vary by event and timing (before January 25, 2026):
→Duathlon: $90 (ages 12–100)
→10k Run: $46
→5k Run: $40
→Prices increase after January 25 at 11:59 PM EST.
What is included in registration?
Participants receive:
→Custom race swag
→Chip-timed results
→Post-race food
→One tree planted for every registered participant through the 1000 Trees for 1000 Years program
What is the course terrain?
The courses feature mixed terrain specific to Cherrylake's working farm:
→Running portions: Off-road trails with clay and grass pathways, winding between tree rows and natural lakes
→Cycling portion (Duathlon only): Rolling hills on Cherry Lake Road, a smooth but challenging road course
Are there awards or prizes?
Yes, the event offers unique recognition for top finishers:
→Awards for top finishers by age group
→Proceeds support local ecology, wildlife, waterways, and Lake County schools
→Note: All events are cashless on race day (credit and debit cards only)
What are the packet pickup options?
Packet pickup is available on two days:
→Friday, Jan 30: 1–6 PM at Dash Sports, 741 W Montrose St, Downtown Clermont, FL (participants picking up Friday are entered to win Shokz headphones from Dash Sports)
→Saturday, Jan 31 (Race Day): 6:45–7:45 AM at Cherrylake, 7836 Cherry Lake Rd, Groveland, FL
→Duathlon participants must show ID and a valid USAT license; 5k/10k runners may collect packets for other participants.
What should participants know about facilities and amenities?
The event provides:
→Cashless transactions on race day (credit and debit cards only)
→Access to one of Florida’s iconic working farms
→Support for environmental and educational programs in Central Florida
→A calm yet invigorating setting suitable for runners of all levels
What are the weather considerations for this event?
The event occurs on January 31 in Groveland, Florida:
→Average conditions include cool, dry weather with lows in the upper 40s F and highs in the low 70s F
→Layered clothing is recommended for morning starts
What is the significance of the event location?
Cherrylake is a 1,100-acre working tree farm in Groveland:
→Courses are designed to celebrate community, sustainability, and Florida’s natural landscape
→The venue features magnolias, natural lakes, and tree-lined paths
→Proceeds directly benefit local ecology, wildlife, waterways, and Lake County schools
