Embrace the Pace
- Date
- August 22, 2026
- Distance
- 5K Run/Walk (chip-timed) · One-Mile Run/Walk/Roll (non-chipped) · Kids' Race (with shirt) & more
From the Organizer
Join Connecting for Kids, along with our partners and sponsors, for an inclusive race for every pace! The Embrace the Pace 5K, One-Mile Run/Walk/Roll and Kids’ Races welcome participants of all ages and abilities. Dogs are permitted but must remain on a leash at all times.
Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 9:00 a.m. | Start Time: Chip-Timed 5K |
| 9:10 a.m. | Start Time: One-Mile Run/Walk/Roll (non-chipped) |
| 10:00 a.m. | Awards Ceremony |
| 10:15 a.m. | Kids’ Race heats* |
| 10:30 a.m. | Hot dogs provided by the Autism Society of Greater Cleveland |
* Kids’ Race heats will include categories for children who use wheelchairs, walkers, gait trainers, reciprocating gait orthosis or other mobility aids.
Packet Pickup Options
All packet pickup will take place at the Kiwanis Pavilion, located at Liberty Playground, 6363 Selig Blvd. in Independence.
Early Pickup:
Friday, Aug. 21 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Race Day:
Saturday, Aug. 22 beginning at 7:30 a.m.
Runner Perks
Top Male/Female Prizes (5K)
Choose between Fat Head's growler with $20 gift card (21+ only) or commemorative fidget trophy with Embrace the Pace logo!
Other Participant Perks
- Finisher medals for all registered participants
- T-shirt for 5K and One-Mile
- Draw-string bag for 5K and One-Mile
- Inclusive after-race dance party with free hot dogs
- Resource tables, featuring partners and sponsors
- Mobile sensory unit
- Adult changing table and accessible parking available
Deadlines
| Aug. 9 | Last day for guaranteed shirt |
| Aug. 21 | Registration closes |
* No day-of registration
Connecting for Kids provides resources, support and community to families in Northeast Ohio who have concerns about their child. We support families who have children with mental health concerns, developmental delays and disabilities as well as those facing major life changes.
Registrations for the 5K and One-Mile Run/Walk/Roll events include a donation to the City of Independence that will be used to purchase more adapted playground equipment. The remaining proceeds benefit Connecting for Kids free family programs. If you need assistance with registration, please email tishenry@connectingforkids.org or call/text 440-570-5908.
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
79°
Typical Low
67°
Chance of Rain
32%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Cleveland Burke Ap, 10 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Independence, OH
Population
11,628
as of 2023
Elevation
933 ft
Nearest Airport
CLE
Cleveland Hopkins International Airport · 10 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
A small town race. Lodging near the start could be limited, so book early.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Embrace the Pace, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
Coming Up
More Running races near Independence, OH
Brecksville Home Days Run
5 miles away
Buckeye Trail
5 miles away
Broadview Heights Mayor Alai's
5 miles away
Bubble Blast Kathleen DePiero Memorial 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run
5K
6 miles away
From Endurance Grid
About This Sport
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Embrace the Pace?
- Embrace the Pace is a running race held in Independence, Ohio on August 22, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the Embrace the Pace?
- Saturday, August 22, 2026 in Independence, Ohio at Liberty Playground, Independence, OH. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Embrace the Pace?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Embrace the Pace
Aug 22, 2026