What started as a small group of kids running around Laureate Park has grown into something much bigger than exercise. Today, the Nona Fear Run Club is helping connect families across the community – one mile, one friendship and one very sweaty Florida morning at a time.

Founded by Laureate Park resident Amber Mason, the club began with just a few kids and a simple mission: get children moving, create meaningful friendships for both parents and kids, and continue building the strong sense of community that makes our Lake Nona special.

Now, the home-grown run club is taking its mission to the next level with two upcoming 5K events planned for 2026, including their next race happening on May 25.

But the spirit behind the club is what keeps families showing up.

Friends and families involved with the club say Amber’s enthusiasm and encouragement have been a driving force behind the group’s rapid growth.

According to organizers, the group was intentionally created to encourage healthy habits for kids while also giving families a chance to connect outside of busy schedules and the endless cycle of “we should really get together sometime.” In a community that continues to grow rapidly, the run club has become a way for neighbors to genuinely get to know one another.

What makes this story especially “Lake Nona” is how organically it all happened. There was no official launch or flashy campaign. It was neighbors creating something positive for their kids and their community – and people responded.

And that’s the magic of Lake Nona at its best.

Parents involved with the club describe the atmosphere as encouraging, welcoming and community-focused. Whether a child is an experienced runner or simply trying to make it to the finish, the goal is participation, confidence and connection.

The upcoming Nona Fear Memorial Day 5K on May 25 aims to bring together runners, walkers, families and supporters from across the area for a fun, meaningful event centered around community to honor those who’ve served. Organizers are currently encouraging residents to register as they enter the final push leading up to race day.

The club’s second 5K event is expected to take place around Labor Day weekend later this year, continuing the momentum and expanding opportunities for local families to get involved.

In a world where kids increasingly spend time behind screens, initiatives like this offer something refreshingly simple: movement, fresh air and friendships (IRL). And for parents, it creates a built-in community where conversations happen naturally with those doing life just down the street.

The event is open to runners and walkers of various experience levels, making it approachable whether you’re training for your next race or just hoping to survive a 5K in Florida. Which, to be clear, still deserves applause.

Community members interested in supporting the club can help by registering for the May 25 race, spreading the word to neighbors and friends, and also showing up to cheer participants on. Because events like this don’t just happen – they grow because communities rally behind them.

And if you’ve been looking for a sign to get moving, meet new people, or finally dust off those running shoes sitting in your closet since your “new year, new me” phase last January…this might be it.

For more information or to register for the Nona Fear Memorial Day 5K, scan the QR code.