Responders First 5K

Responders First 5K is held in Brooksville, Florida, in Hernando County, on October 31, 2026. The 5K, 3.1 miles, starts at 8:00 a.m., and a one-mile family fun run and walk follows at 9:00 a.m. The event honors first responders, including military personnel, firefighters, EMS crews, police officers and healthcare workers, and the morning includes music, a costume contest and custom awards across several categories.

Built for all ages and abilities, this one works well as a family entry: race the 5K, then walk the mile an hour later with everyone else. The training required is minimal, since walking or jogging three times a week for a month will get most people around 3.1 miles. If you have an award in mind, the age-group format rewards showing up prepared, so put a couple of faster sessions into the preceding weeks and warm up properly before 8:00 a.m.