Tasha Smith RaceDay Certification

The Dogs Inc's MacDill's Paws for Heroes 5k promises to be a fun event. It features chip timing on an accurate, but not certified 5k course in a scenic Tampa (Gadsden) park. Runners (and virtual runners) will receive both a shirt and finisher's medal.

The cost to provide a guide dog for a veteran with a visual impairment or a service dog for a veteran with post-traumatic stress disorder is tens of thousands of dollars, yet veterans receive these extraordinary dogs at no cost. All funds raised will benefit the Paws for Patriots (https://dogsinc.org/get-a-dog/) Program. On behalf of American heroes who have sacrificed so much, this program serves active-duty soldiers and retired servicemen and women with the respect and dignity they deserve.

NOTE: Please register by 29 March 2026 to be guaranteed a race shirt.

FAQs

1. What if the race gets canceled because of weather or another uncontrollable event? In the event that we are unable to conduct the event live, everyone will be converted to a virtual runner and we'll distribute your finisher medal and shirts.

2. Can I register the morning of the race? No. The city doesn't allow sales in the park so there will be no race day registration.

3. When is packet pickup? We will have packet pickup on-site at Gadsden Park on race morning beginning at 7 AM.

4. Can I run/walk with my dog? If you will be participating with your service dog, yes! Other dogs will not be allowed on the course due to our insurance requirements.

5. Is there a finisher's medal? Yes, all participants receive both a race shirt and a finisher's medal.

6. Are there age group awards? Yes, awards will be given to 1st through 3rd in ten-year age groups.

7. How does the virtual run work? It is done on an honor system. You can run your 5k at any time and don't have to report your finish. We'll send out your shirt and finisher's medal the week after the race.

8. What is the race course? The race course is about two and a half loops at Gadsden Park. You can preview the route at https://youtu.be/Ggi-WpyOXj4. We'll provide a course map in race day emails and have copies available for viewing during packet pickup.

Join us for the First Annual Tampa Sister Cities 5K Run/Walk, a special community event celebrating 60 years of sisterhood between Tampa and Barranquilla, Colombia. This exciting inaugural race will take place at Gadsden Park in Tampa, Florida, bringing together runners, walkers, families, cultural organizations, and community leaders for a morning of fitness, friendship, and international celebration.

More than just a race, the Tampa Sister Cities 5K is a vibrant celebration of global connection and cultural exchange. The event commemorates this historic milestone while highlighting the important role the Tampa Sister Cities program plays in fostering people-to-people diplomacy, cultural understanding, and international collaboration.

Participants of all ages and fitness levels are welcome. Whether you are a competitive runner, casual walker, volunteer, or enthusiastic supporter, this event offers a fun and meaningful way to engage with the community while celebrating Tampa’s global partnerships.

This inaugural 5K also serves as a community gathering for Tampa’s Sister City committees and cultural organizations, with opportunities to showcase the traditions, culture, and programs that make each international partnership unique. Cultural booths and community engagement activities will create a festive and welcoming environment for participants and spectators alike.

By participating in the Tampa Sister Cities 5K, you help:

• Celebrate six decades of international friendship between Tampa and Barranquilla

• Strengthen cultural connections across Tampa’s Sister City network

• Support Tampa Sister Cities, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

• Promote cultural exchange, education, and global understanding

• Help establish a sustainable fundraising platform for future cultural programs, exchanges, and international initiatives

The Tampa Sister Cities 5K transforms celebration into action, creating a family-friendly event where our community can come together in unity, pride, and global friendship.

We invite runners, walkers, families, volunteers, and supporters to be part of this historic first event as we celebrate the past 60 years and stride confidently into the future. Come run, walk, and celebrate with us as we honor 60 years of sisterhood between Tampa and Barranquilla.

The 5k will be a chip-timed event. All 5k participants will receive a BEAUTIFUL custom medal and T-shirt. All 1 Mile Run/Walk participants will receive a BEAUTIFUL custom T-shirt.

Registrations after April 16, 2026, will not be guaranteed a T-shirt.

Awards & Recognition

Overall Awards

Top 3 Male Finishers

Top 3 Female Finishers

Age Group Awards

1st Place male and female in each age group

(10 & under, 11–19, 20–29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70+)

Note: The fastest male and female finishers in each age category will receive an award.

(Overall finishers are excluded from age category awards)

Group / Team Awards

Largest Crew on the Course – team with the most participants to finish

Best Dressed / Best Team Spirit – standout creativity, energy, and enthusiasm

Fastest Group / Team — Requires a minimum of 4 runners; based on the group’s overall average time

The Unlock the Ties That Bind 5K Run & Walk is an empowerment and advocacy event organized by Going Into Pieces Movement Inc. It aims to support underserved and vulnerable populations, including men, human trafficking survivors, teen fathers, and individuals struggling with mental health challenges.

The event will take place on June 13, 2026, at Al Lopez Park in Tampa, FL, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Participants come together to symbolize resilience, healing, and the power of moving forward despite life’s obstacles. The event also helps generate support for the organization’s men’s emotional well-being initiative, 3rd Eye Anchored.

Men can and do experience sexual assault, human trafficking, and various forms of abuse. These issues often receive less attention due to societal stigmas, stereotypes, and misconceptions about masculinity. Many men struggle to speak out or seek help due to fear of judgment, lack of resources, or the misconception that abuse primarily affects women.

Raising awareness is crucial to ensuring survivors regardless of gender receive the support, protection, and justice they deserve. Events like Unlock the Ties That Bind 5K and initiatives focused on men’s emotional well-being help break the silence and create safe spaces for healing and advocacy.

Join us at Gadsden Park to celebrate Flag Day! All entries receive a Patriotic T-shirt and a Custom Bigfoot Finishing Medal. 250th year Patriotic Tshirt design is here! Sign up early to be guaranteed a shirt. You will not want to miss out!

Little Foot race 12 and under: Entry fee $15 Little Foot, $20 Day of race. Starts at 7:20Am, Includes a cool medal and a T-shirt. An out and back sprint from the start line. Bigfoot will be running with the kids,, see if you can beat him!

Results: 5k race includes live chip timing. Live results provided online and via text/email. The race will be professionally timed by the J3 Timing.

Age Group Awards (5k): Bigfoot Trophies to Overall and Masters (40+). Top 3 in each age group: 12 & under, 13-14, 15-16, 17-18, 19-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+. Age group awards presented live during the race!

Packet Pick Up: 6:00Am At Gadsden Park