From big races to Saturday morning group runs—find virtual events and connect with the local endurance sports community.
DESCRIPTION
The 15th Annual Superhero 5K & Fun Run will be held on February 7, 2026, at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota. The start/finish line will be ON THE ISLAND near the rowing finish tower!
This is a Foster Care Awareness Event. In-person and virtual racing options are available.
The Kids' Fun Run starts at 8:30am. The 5K will be on a CHIP START between 9-9:10am. You will receive an official chip time and place. Master and Overall timed at gun time 9am. USATF Rules.
More than just a race, the Superhero race brings together child welfare agencies and the community to highlight the approximately 700 youth who are in local foster care in Sarasota, Manatee, and DeSoto Counties, while providing a family-friendly event with music, a kiddie zone, food, and giveaways.
We believe that kids in foster care and those who care for them are some of our community's most incredible heroes, which is the reason we have chosen a superhero theme. So don't be shy... come dressed as your favorite hero and get ready for an awesome race and cause! Participation medals will be awarded to the first 700 5K runners to cross the finish line!
--Event Awesomeness:
An amazing venue at Nathan Benderson Park in beautiful Sarasota, FL. Close to everything University Town Center has to offer!
--Trophies: Best Superhero Family, Best Male & Female Superhero Costumes, Team Spirit (Team With Most Runners), Best Pet Superhero Costume.
MEDALS for those who wear a costume!!
5K AWARDS
Overall- Male and Female
Master- Male and Female (fastest over the age of 40)
Grand Master- Male and Female (fastest over the age of 50)
Senior Master- Male and Female (fastest over the age of 60)
Veteran Master- Male and Female (fastest over the age of 70)
Youth Overall- Male and Female (fastest under the age of 13)
--Awards for 1st-3rd Male and Female in the following age groups:
9 and under, 10-12, 13-15, 16-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39,
40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84,
85-89, 90+
--Youth*/Adult 5K Registration Fee Schedule: (5K youth price is for under 18 years old)
$20/30 June 1 -- Nov 30, 2025
$25/35 Dec 1 -- Dec 31, 2025
$30/40 Jan 1 -- Jan 31, 2026
$35/$45 Feb 1 -- Feb 6, 2026 (online registration will end on 2/6/25 at 11:59pm). You can register in person on race day after that time.
--5K REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE ON SITE THE MORNING OF THE RACE $50 (cash, check, or credit)
--FUN RUN Registration Fee Schedule:
$15 June 1 -- Nov 30, 2025// $20 Dec 1, 2025 -- Jan 31, 2026 // $25 Feb 1 -- Feb 6, 2026 (online registration will end on 2/6/25 at 11:59pm). You can register in person on race day after that time.
--FUN RUN REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE ON SITE THE MORNING OF THE RACE FOR $25 (cash, check, or credit)
(QR codes will also be provided for Race Day registration / Packet Pick up.)
--PACKET PICK-UP: Wednesday, February 4th and Thursday, February 5th from 4-6:30pm at New Balance UTC 315 N Cattlemen Rd Suite 1, Sarasota, FL 34243
Event Schedule:
6:45-7:45a Race Day Registration (6:45-8:30a Day of Packet Pickup)
8:20 National Anthem
8:30 Fun Run start
9:00-9:10 CHIP START 5K
OVERALL/MASTERS are GUN TIME
[Children, strollers, and slower runners fill the back, please]
10:00 Awards Ceremony. Runners who do not want to stay to claim their medals will be provided pick up options at BaL's Office @ 9015 Town Center Parkway, Suite #126 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202. We apologize, but medals will not be handed out early.
The course is an out-and-back. The 5K race will begin near the finish tower on the island (same location as 2025 race).
Parking will be on the island near the rowing finish tower. Bridge a Life and race signage will be posted for clarity. Parking location and a course map will be posted to our Facebook page (search for Bridge a Life).
NOTE: Registrations after 1/2/26 are not guaranteed a shirt.
Alpha Law Group Autism 5K.
Alpha Law Group, a personal injury law firm headquartered in Sarasota, Florida, is proud to present their 2nd Annual Autism Benefit 5K.
This event aims to raise awareness and funds for autism support initiatives. With a strong commitment to community involvement, Alpha Law Group seeks to make a positive impact by supporting those affected by autism, fostering inclusivity, and helping to create resources for individuals and families in need. Alpha Law Groups Autism 5K event will directly benefit Autism Society of Florida and The Haven of Sarasota. The event will take place at Nathan Benderson Park in beautiful Sarasota, FL, close to everything University Town Center has to offer!
RACE DAY/TIME
Saturday, March 7th, 2026
7-8am Race Day Registration & Day of Packet Pickup
5k Race Starts at 830 AM sharp! 1 mile walkers will follow
--5K REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE ONLINE THE MORNING OF THE RACE $50
(PLEASE BRING YOUR PHONE TO REGISTER) OR REGISTER THE NIGHT BEFORE.
NOTE: Registrations after 2/14/26 are not guaranteed a shirt after inventory is depleted online.
AWARDS GO 6 DEEP IN EACH 5 YEAR AGE GROUP! 4,5,6 ribbons
5K AWARDS
Overall- Male and Female
Master- Male and Female (fastest over the age of 40)
Grand Master- Male and Female (fastest over the age of 50)
Senior Master- Male and Female (fastest over the age of 60)
Veteran Master- Male and Female (fastest over the age of 70)
--Awards for 1st-3rd Male and Female in the following age groups:
9 and under, 10-12, 13-15, 16-19, 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+
OVERALL / MASTERS are GUN TIME
source: imgur.com
[Children, strollers, and slower runners fill the back, please]
Packet Pick-Up
Thursday March 5th 4-7pm
New Balance University 315 N Cattlemen Rd, Sarasota, FL 34235
3 Bouncy Houses, Popcorn, Cotton Candy, Sarasota County Fire Truck, Kona Ice, Pony Rides from Rosaire's Riding Academy and food provided by Chameleon Food Truck and Jersey Mike's
Drinks Provided By Gold Coast Eagle Distributing
The Athletes, Vendors, Sponsors, and Spectators: ALL CELEBRATING OUR Autism event!
WALKERS ARE WELCOME and encouraged to attend.
Life;Story is Centerstone’s national walk/run for suicide prevention, bringing communities together across Illinois, Tennessee, and Florida for a day of hope, healing, and connection.
Participants of all ages and abilities are welcome—from seasoned runners to families with strollers, toddlers in the kids’ races, and pups on leashes. Whether you join us in person or virtually, you’ll be part of a meaningful experience that uplifts those impacted by suicide and celebrates the courage it takes to keep going.
The semicolon in Life;Story symbolizes a pause—not an ending—and reflects the belief that every person’s story has more ahead. This event carries that spirit forward with a supportive, energizing atmosphere filled with community vendors, mental health resources, free giveaways, and crowd-favorite perks like an event T‑shirt, finisher medal, and our curated Spotify playlist.
Proceeds from Life;Story help Centerstone provide mental health and addiction services for individuals with limited or no resources. By participating, you’re helping save lives, strengthening your community, and reminding others that their story matters—and that it’s far from over.
A $5 discount is available to 1st Responders using promo code, 1STRESPONDER5, and to Military/Veterans using promo code MILITARY5.
Rise & Run 5K
New Year’s Day January 1, 2027 | 8:00 AM | Tom Bennett Park
Start the year moving with purpose at the 4th annual Rise & Run 5K—a fun, team-oriented New Year’s Day celebration for runners, walkers, and families of all ages.
Kick off 2027 with fresh goals, healthy beginnings, and community connection on a flat, road course perfect for first-timers and seasoned runners alike. Whether you run, walk, or push a stroller, this race is all about showing up and starting strong.
✨ What to Expect
Team-focused race with a prize for the biggest team
Fun selfie wall for photo-ops
Unique, “Why I Rise” themed medals
Music, celebration vibes & giveaways
Family-friendly atmosphere
Walk or run—your pace, your purpose
This isn’t just a race—it’s a moment to reflect, reset, and rise together as a community.
📸 Gather your team. Capture the moment.
🏃♀️ Set the tone for the year ahead.
🎉 Rise & Run into 2027 with us!
Chip timing will be provided by Beach Bum Timing.
The race will be at Tom Bennett Park in Bradenton, 400 Cypress Creek BLVD, Bradenton FL.
This year we will not only have awards for top 3 male and female but we will be expanding our awards to top 2 in age groups. The age groups will be 0-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+
Packet Pick up will be:
Dec 29th @ New Balance, 315 N Cattlemen RD, Sarasota from 4 to 7pm.
Dec 30th @ Run With Purpose Nutrition, 8319 Lockwood Ridge Rd, Sarasota, during normal business hours 7am to 4pm.
Dec 31st @ Run With Purpose Nutrition, 8319 Lockwood Ridge Rd, Sarasota, during normal business hours 7am to Noon.
Race Day Packet Pickup: 6:30am - 7:30am.
Race Day Registration: 6:30am to 7:30am. You will need your phone to scan a QR code to register. CC or Apple Pay only. NO CASH