ORLANDO, Fla. — Runners looking for something a little more frightening than the typical 5K can lace up their shoes — and prepare to run for their lives — when SeaWorld Orlando’s Howl-O-Sprint 5K returns for its third year on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026.

The nighttime race combines a traditional 3.1-mile run with the thrills and scares of SeaWorld Orlando’s 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.

The Howl-O-Sprint 5K begins at 7 p.m., with participants racing through SeaWorld Orlando and past some of the park’s roller coasters and Halloween environments.

But crossing the finish line won’t mean the night is over.

Run for Your Life — Then Stay for the Frights

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.

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.

Race participants will also receive a separate complimentary Howl-O-Scream park ticket valid from Sept. 18 through Oct. 31, 2026, according to SeaWorld.

Registration also includes free race-day parking, a commemorative Howl-O-Sprint race T-shirt and a custom finisher medal for paid participants.

The race is limited to 2,000 participants.

Registration and Pricing

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.

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.

Participants must register by Sept. 4 to be guaranteed their T-shirt size.

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.

Friends and Family Can Join the Fright

Friends and family members who want to watch the race will need a spectator ticket, priced at $39.95.

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.

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.

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.

Awards will be presented to the top three overall male and female finishers, with prizes including Howl-O-Scream experiences and passes.

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.

SeaWorld notes that Howl-O-Scream is designed for mature audiences and features intense Halloween content, including blood, gore and violence.

For additional information or to register, visit SeaWorld Orlando’s official Howl-O-Sprint 5K page.

SeaWorld Orlando Howl-O-Sprint 5K information and registration