Freedom 4 Miler TEQUESTA

7th Annual Heroes On The Water 5K Run/Walk

We are in our 7th year of the Heroes On The Water 5K! Thank you to all our past runners for all your support!

We are excited to announce that the 7th Annual Heroes On The Water 5K will be held on April 12th, 2026 at Riverbend Park! This is a beautiful course that takes you through the scenery at Riverbend Park on the flat hardpacked surface that is perfect for running! All participants will be receiving a performance race shirt, finisher medal, swag bag, post-race food & more! Chip timing will be provided by Southern Timing, LLC. Proceeds from this race will benefit the Treasure Coast Heroes On The Water Chapter. This race is hosted by the Southern Timing Foundation, Inc. A registered 501(c)(3) organization.

About Heroes On The Water

Heroes on the Water, a 501(c)(3) veterans’ charity, creates alternative therapeutic programs to serve veterans, active-duty military personnel, first responders and their families. These experiential programs incorporate structured activities proven to improve the lives of these men and women. Each experience reduces the impact of post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury while providing much-needed camaraderie and support.

About the Race

We will have light snacks and various drinks available for your both before and after the race. There will be 1 water station on the course that you will pass twice.

We will have event medics on site as well as a course marshal patrolling the course to ensure the safety of all participants.

Children 17 & Under can register for $25, this discount is automatically applied in registration. First responders, active duty & retired military members can register for a discount of $15 applied when you select your branch of service in registration.

Race Timing

This race will be RFID chip timed by Southern Timing, LLC with LIVE RESULTS and there will be preliminary Results' Kiosks provided for you to search for your preliminary results. There will also be a Start and Finish Line Video that captures a 20 second clip of you coming across the Start/Finish Line for you to share or download!

Race Swag

All participants will receive a short sleeve performance shirt or you will have the option of upgrading to a long sleeve shirt for just $10 more during your registration. Participants will also receive a custom finisher medal when you cross the finish line and a swag bag complete with free goodies donated from our generous sponsors.

Awards

Awards will be given out to the following categories:

Top 3 Overall Male & Female Finishers

Top 3 Male & Female in each age group:

10 & Under, 11-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79 & 80+

There will be no double dipping in the awards.

Sponsors

We have many sponsorship opportunities currently available! We are accepting both Monetary & In-Kind Sponsorships at this time. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor please fill out the contact form and someone from our team will get back to you shortly!

This race is both a fundraiser to support individuals and families affected by autism and a celebration of the strides our community continues to make in autism awareness, acceptance, and inclusion.

Roots & Ruts Off-Road 5K Run/Walk

Participants will start the race at The Els Center of Excellence® in Jupiter, Florida, and will continue through the North Jupiter Flatwoods Natural Area, the first certified autism-friendly trail in the state of Florida, before ending back at The Els Center of Excellence. This 5K features a scenic course through the North Jupiter Flatwoods Natural Area, a 160-acre preserve comprised of mesic flatwoods, wet flatwoods, depression marsh, and dome swamp ecosystems.

Packet Pickup

Pick up your race packet at the Big Easy Cafe by Ernie Els located in the Adult Services Building on The Els Center of Excellence campus. The Big Easy Cafe will be offering FREE coffee (hot or iced) with the purchase of an entrée for participants who come to pick up their race packets between 7:30AM - 2:30PM, Wednesday - Friday. Plan ahead and check out the Cafe menu HERE. Packet pickup dates and times below:

• Wednesday, April 15 from 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM

• Thursday, April 16 from 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM

• Friday, April 17 from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Packet Pickup Address: 18370 Limestone Creek Road, Jupiter, FL 33458

Sensory-Friendly Obstacle Course

The Sensory-Friendly Obstacle Course is perfect for all ages and abilities. It features an array of obstacles that involve jumping, balancing, water, crawling, and more, all located at The Els Center of Excellence.

Post-Race Expo

At the Post-Race Expo, attendees can explore vendor booths showcasing products created by micro-businesses led by individuals with autism, race sponsors, and autism employment partners. The Expo will also feature delicious food provided by the Big Easy™ Cafe by Ernie Els, engaging activities, race awards, and much more — a morning you won't want to miss!

Virtual Race

Can't make it to the race? No need to stress; you can join in on the fun virtually!

Event Schedule

7:00 AM: Parking Opens at The Els Center of Excellence

7:45 AM: Welcome Announcements & National Anthem

8:00 AM: Race Begins, Post-Race Expo Opens, Sensory-Friendly Obstacle Course Opens

10:00 AM: Race & Other Activities Close

Secure Your Sponsorship Today!

Els for Autism relies on generous sponsors to make our events possible! Your support of the annual Roots & Ruts Off-Road 5K will play a crucial role in empowering individuals with autism and their families. In return for your generous support, your company will enjoy heightened visibility, reaching 300+ attendees and gaining increased brand exposure within the community, all while supporting the 1 in 36 individuals affected by autism. Click here to view sponsorship opportunities.

Additional Details

• Every runner will be provided with a disposable timing tag affixed to the race bib. AccuChipUSA will record the net timing for each participant.

• Strollers and pets are not permitted in the North Jupiter Flatwoods.

• On race day, parking directors will assist you upon entering the gates at The Els Center of Excellence.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, contact events@elsforautism.org.

Proceeds benefit Els for Autism.

12th Annual Wounded Veterans Relief Fund 5k Run/Walk honoring those who are serving and those who have served our great country. Raising funds to help our Florida Veterans that find themselves homeless or on the verge of homelessness. WVRF provides veterans with housing and transportation assistance, activities, and resources to help them find their new "normal". Their mission is: To provide emergency financial assistance and professional services to qualified, disabled Florida veterans in order to save lives and keep families together. Please visit www.WVRF.org to learn more.

Register for the 12th Annual Live Like Jake 5K!

Saturday, April 25, 2026 | Downtown Abacoa, Jupiter

The 12th Annual Live Like Jake 5K Run/Walk will take place on Saturday, April 25 at Downtown Abacoa in Jupiter. This year, we’re proud to highlight our signature theme: “Wear Bright – Stay in Sight.” Show up in your brightest neon to help us spread the message of drowning prevention and child safety.

Registration Includes:

• Choice of a high-performance race shirt or hat

• Swag bag (first 600 in-person participants)

• Custom finisher medal (first 1,200 registered)

Race Day Schedule:

• 6:15 AM – Registration Opens

• 7:30 AM – Race Start

• Awards Ceremony immediately following, featuring:

• Largest school team

• Largest gym team

• Overall biggest team

• Traditional age-group awards

The morning also features a lively Kids’ Zone with fun activities, music, and entertainment for the whole family.

As one of the most beloved community events in South Florida, the Live Like Jake 5K raises critical funds to provide ISR self-rescue swim lesson scholarships and to support families who have lost a child or have a child with critical medical needs.

We can’t wait to run, walk, and celebrate with you!

Find All the Race Day Details Under the EVENT INFO Tab.