#Be A Buddy 5K
- Date:
- Sat, Oct 17, 2026 at 8:00 AM
- Location:
-
West Melbourne, Florida
32904
United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps - Links:
- theparkerfoundation.com Register at runsignup.com
- Tags:
- 5k Fun Run Run
To Benefit: The Parker Foundation for Autism and Child Development, a Florida based 501c3 non-profit EIN# 47-2763126 serving Brevard County and beyond since 2015. The Parker Foundation provides free resources to children, teens, and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and special needs and their families through funding and facilitating education, safety, sports and arts programs. The #BeABuddy 5K celebrates the Be a Buddy Initiative which includes our Peer Buddy and Buddy Ambassador program, bullying prevention education, and safety initiatives to connect families with law enforcement and first responders. The Parker Foundation is thankful for the opportunity to provide events where individuals, businesses and organizations can come together to help integrate special needs families into their communities.
RACE AMENITIES:
-
Awesome race T-shirt (Or $5 no T-shirt option)
-
Finisher medal
-
Free refreshments post-race
-
Awards presentation for Age Group Winners
-
Team Awards: Fastest, Largest and Most Team Spirit
-
Awards for Overall Winners
-
DJ/Entertainment
-
Post race free Family Health and Fitness EXPO highlighting sponsors and vendors/local organizations with trick or treating for the kids and fun activities
-
Adaptive sports stations for families: Tennis, Basketball and Soccer led by student volunteer “Buddies”
-
Take “The Be a Buddy Pledge” and sign our giant “Unity Banner” to show your commitment to being a Buddy in our community!
TIME TABLE:
Friday, October 16th - Running Zone
(3696 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne, FL 32935)
10:00 AM - 6:30 PM: Packet Pickup & Registration
Saturday, October 17th - Space Coast Field of Dreams
(3053 Fell Road, West Melbourne, FL 32904)
7:00 AM: Packet Pickup & Late Registration Opens
7:45 AM: Packet Pickup & Late Registration Ends
8:00 AM: 5K Start!
*9:00 AM: Free Kids 100 yard dash fun run
*9:15 AM: Awards Ceremony
*Approximate times
AWARDS:
Top 3 Overall M & F
Top Masters (40+) M & F
Top 3 in each age group M & F: 8 & under, 9-11, 12-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80+
Fastest Team, Largest Team and Most Team Spirit!
FEES:
Adult - $35 ($40 10/16 - 10/17)
Child under 16 - $20 ($25 10/16 - 10/17)