ORLANDO, Fla. \u2014 Runners looking for something a little more frightening than the typical 5K can lace up their shoes \u2014 and prepare to run for their lives \u2014 when SeaWorld Orlando\u2019s Howl-O-Sprint 5K returns for its third year on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026.<\/p>\n
The nighttime race combines a traditional 3.1-mile run with the thrills and scares of SeaWorld Orlando\u2019s Howl-O-Scream, sending participants through the park after dark as frightening creatures, eerie landscapes and scare zones transform the course into a Halloween running experience.<\/p>\n
The Howl-O-Sprint 5K begins at 7 p.m., with participants racing through SeaWorld Orlando and past some of the park\u2019s roller coasters and Halloween environments.<\/p>\n
But crossing the finish line won\u2019t mean the night is over.<\/p>\n
Run for Your Life \u2014 Then Stay for the Frights<\/p>\n
Every paid Howl-O-Sprint registration includes complimentary admission to Howl-O-Scream following the race, allowing runners to stay inside the park and experience the separately ticketed Halloween event.<\/p>\n
Howl-O-Scream features haunted houses, scare zones, roaming creatures, live entertainment and thrill rides after dark. The 2026 event runs on select nights from Sept. 11 through Oct. 31.<\/p>\n
Race participants will also receive a separate complimentary Howl-O-Scream park ticket valid from Sept. 18 through Oct. 31, 2026, according to SeaWorld.<\/p>\n
Registration also includes free race-day parking, a commemorative Howl-O-Sprint race T-shirt and a custom finisher medal for paid participants.<\/p>\n
The race is limited to 2,000 participants.<\/p>\n
Registration and Pricing<\/p>\n
Early registration for the in-person 5K is $85 through Sept. 4, followed by regular registration at $90 from Sept. 5 through Sept. 17. Race-day registration will be $95 if the event has not sold out.<\/p>\n
SeaWorld Pass Members can register for $66.66 through Sept. 4, with Pass Member pricing increasing to $85 from Sept. 5 through Sept. 17 and $90 on race day if space remains.<\/p>\n
Participants must register by Sept. 4 to be guaranteed their T-shirt size.<\/p>\n
A virtual Howl-O-Sprint option is also available for $100, allowing participants who cannot attend the Orlando race to take part remotely and receive a finisher medal, commemorative shirt and deluxe race bib.<\/p>\n
Friends and Family Can Join the Fright<\/p>\n
Friends and family members who want to watch the race will need a spectator ticket, priced at $39.95.<\/p>\n
The spectator package includes access to the post-race Howl-O-Scream event, a commemorative Howl-O-Sprint T-shirt and a special guest race bib.<\/p>\n
Race-night activities begin at 5 p.m. when the parking lot opens for participants, followed by registration and packet pickup at 5:30 p.m. The parking lot closes at 6:30 p.m., and SeaWorld recommends runners arrive at least 45 minutes before the race.<\/p>\n
The 5K begins at 7 p.m., followed by an awards ceremony at approximately 8 p.m. and the opportunity for finishers to continue their night at Howl-O-Scream.<\/p>\n
Awards will be presented to the top three overall male and female finishers, with prizes including Howl-O-Scream experiences and passes.<\/p>\n
The race will take place rain or shine, although severe weather could delay or cancel the start. Registration fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.<\/p>\n
SeaWorld notes that Howl-O-Scream is designed for mature audiences and features intense Halloween content, including blood, gore and violence.<\/p>\n
For additional information or to register, visit SeaWorld Orlando\u2019s official Howl-O-Sprint 5K page.<\/p>\n