Track Shack

ORLANDO, Fla. (June 8, 2026) - Track Shack Events is excited to announce that two-time Olympian and Boston Marathon champion Des Linden will join the celebration of the 50th running of the OUC Orlando Half Marathon Weekend, taking place December 3–6, 2026.

Known for her grit, humor and connection to runners everywhere, Linden will be part of the milestone weekend that has become one of Central Florida’s most beloved running traditions.

The anniversary celebration will include the OUC Orlando Half Marathon, broadcast live on WESH 2 / NBC, the Expo & Bib Pickup presented by Brooks, and the Suncoast Credit Union Lake Eola 5K.

“We want the 50th running to be a true celebration of running culture and this community,” said Jon Hughes, co-owner of Track Shack Events, the race producer. “Des embodies so much of what runners love about our sport: perseverance, humility, toughness and joy. We’re thrilled to welcome her back to Orlando.”

Her return to Orlando comes two years after competing in the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Marathon, where thousands of local runners and fans had the opportunity to cheer her on. "Orlando is a great running town. The OUC Orlando Half Marathon is legendary, and I'm looking forward to celebrating the 50th running with everyone in December,” Linden said.

Linden’s appearance adds another memorable chapter to a race weekend that has welcomed generations of runners, and Olympians, to Orlando over the past five decades. Runners and walkers are invited to join the celebration and “#RunwithDes” during this historic anniversary weekend.

For more information or to register, visit OrlandoHalfMarathon.com. Follow on social media at @OrlandoHalfMarathon on Instagram and on Facebook at ouchalfmarathonand5K.

About the OUC Orlando Half Marathon

Forty-nine years running, the OUC Orlando Half Marathon has been one of the top half marathons in the southeast. The OUC Orlando Half Marathon has received Silver and Gold certifications by the Council for Responsible Sport.  It is the first event in Florida to earn any level certification by the Council, the world’s leading sustainability certification program dedicated to supporting, certifying, and celebrating responsible sports events and organizations. OrlandoHalfMarathon.com

About OUC—The Reliable One

For more than 100 years, OUC—The Reliable One has provided exceptional value to its customers and community through the delivery of sustainable and reliable services and solutions. The utility provides electric, water, chilled water, lighting and solar services to more than 400,000 accounts in Orlando, St. Cloud and parts of unincorporated Orange and Osceola counties. As OUC prepares for the next century, it remains committed to its goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 while supporting its community with conservation, sustainability and energy efficiency resources. Visit www.ouc.com to learn more.

About the Track Shack Family of Companies

Track Shack of Orlando opened for business in 1977 as a small retail operation focused on selling running shoes and apparel. Owners Jon and Betsy Hughes were awarded Florida’s Retailer of the Year 2015 by the Florida Retail Federation. Jon and Betsy also own Track Shack Events, a sports marketing company that specializes in marketing, management, and production of active lifestyle events. The award-winning professional staff has earned Track Shack Events a reputation as one of America’s top sports marketing companies. Track Shack Events co-produced the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Marathon in Orlando. The mission of Track Shack Events is that each event produced will benefit the entire community – runners and walkers, sponsors, and charities.