#Be A Buddy 5K
- Date
- October 17, 2026
- Distance
- Individual 5K · Virtual 5K Run/Walk
From the Organizer
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)
Distances & Pricing
Race Location
About This Sport
From Endurance Grid's Founder
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Coming Up
More running races in FL
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Marathon
305 Iguana Man 5k
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Ninja 5K, 10K, & 13.1M at Deltona, FL (34)
Half Marathon · 10K · 5K
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the #Be A Buddy 5K?
- #Be A Buddy 5K is a running event held in West Melbourne, FL. Learn more about the different endurance sports here.
- When and where is the #Be A Buddy 5K?
- Saturday, October 17, 2026 in West Melbourne, FL at Space Coast Field of Dreams, West Melbourne, FL. Check the official event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the #Be A Buddy 5K?
- Registration is handled through their official registration page. Confirm pricing, distances available, and sign up there.
#Be A Buddy 5K
Oct 17, 2026