What if your next 5K included monsters, scare zones, and haunted roller coasters?
SeaWorld Orlando is once again combining fitness with fright as the popular Howl-O-Sprint 5K Run & Walk returns this fall. The unique nighttime race takes participants directly through the heart of SeaWorld’s award-winning Howl-O-Scream event, creating one of the most unusual running experiences in Central Florida.
Scheduled for Friday, September 18, 2026, the Howl-O-Sprint 5K invites runners and walkers to tackle a 3.1-mile course unlike any traditional road race. Participants will make their way through SeaWorld Orlando after dark while surrounded by eerie scenery, roaming creatures, haunted pathways, and the atmosphere of Howl-O-Scream.
SeaWorld describes the event as a one-of-a-kind nighttime terror run where participants race past attractions, navigate through scare-filled environments, and experience the park in an entirely different way than daytime guests.
Race Details
The 2026 Howl-O-Sprint 5K is part of SeaWorld Orlando’s new Run Series and will take place on Friday, September 18, 2026, with the parking lot opening to racers at 6 PM.
5K Event Night Timeline
6 PM – Parking lot opens for participants
6:30 PM – Registration and Packet Pickup opens
7:30 PM – Parking lot closes – please plan to be onsite at least 45 minutes prior to race start!
8 PM – START of the Howl-O-Sprint 5K
8:30 PM – Finish line festival begins at the post-race party
9 PM – Awards Ceremony
11 PM – Post-race party closes
The race welcomes runners and walkers of various skill levels, making it accessible whether you’re chasing a personal best or simply looking for a fun Halloween-themed experience.
Race participants without an annual pass are priced at $85 to register, while annual passholders can register for $66.66. SeaWorld employees are able to register for $50, and spectators are welcome to watch for $25 each. Not able to run around Howl-O-Scream Orlando? No worries — you can register for the virtual race for $100. You’ll find registration here!
Registration Includes Special Perks
Participants receive several race-day benefits, including an official Howl-O-Sprint finisher medal, commemorative race T-shirt, race bib, post-race celebration, and access to one of the most unique race environments in Florida.
SeaWorld has also offered discounted registration categories for Annual Pass Members and select groups in previous race offerings.
A Perfect Warm-Up for Halloween Season
The event serves as an unofficial kickoff to the Halloween season at SeaWorld Orlando, which will once again host Howl-O-Scream 2026 on select nights from September through October. The separately ticketed event features haunted houses, scare zones, live entertainment, and nighttime rides throughout the park.
For horror fans, Halloween enthusiasts, and runners looking for something beyond the typical race experience, the Howl-O-Sprint offers a memorable way to celebrate spooky season.
For more SeaWorld Orlando news, Howl-O-Scream updates, Halloween event coverage, and theme park announcements, keep checking Theme Park Scope.
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