Holiday Stress Buster 5K

Holiday Stress Buster 5K is held at Blake Park in Lake Helen, Florida, on December 24, 2026. The single format is a 5K Run/Walk (3.1 miles) starting at 8:00 a.m., professionally timed, with a medal for every participant and a t-shirt for registered runners. There is an awards ceremony afterward and a free kids' run with ribbons for all the young finishers. Proceeds support the city's parks and playgrounds, funding improvements at Melissa Park and Playground.

Chip timing and an 8:00 a.m. start make this a legitimate place to put down a fast 3.1 miles before the holiday properly begins, and the walk option keeps it open to anyone who would rather stroll it. To race a 5K well, warm up for at least ten minutes, run the first mile a few seconds slower than goal pace, and save the surge for the last 800 meters.