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Embrace the Pace 5K

Join Connecting for Kids, along with our partners and sponsors, for an inclusive race for every pace! Embrace the Pace 5K, one-mile run/walk/roll and kids’ race welcomes participants of all ages and abilities.

Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 9-11:00 a.m.
Location: Liberty Playground, 6363 Selig Blvd., Independence

Pricing

Race registrations are made through Run the Land. 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.

5K Run/Walk (chip-timed) $35

Includes shirt, finisher medal, draw-string bag, chip-timed bib and age category prizes

One-Mile Run/Walk/Roll (non-chipped) $35

Includes shirt, finisher medal, draw-string bag and non-chip bib

Kids' Race (with shirt) $15

Includes shirt, finisher medal and non-chip bib

Kids' Race (no shirt) $5

Includes finisher medal and non-chip bib

Community Member FREE

Families and community members are welcome to cheer on race participants, visit resource tables and celebrate inclusion.

Event Features

Top male/female age group prizes for 5K participants
Finisher medals for all registered participants
T-shirt and draw-string bag for 5K and one-mile participants
Free hot dogs from the Autism Society of Greater Cleveland
Resource tables, featuring partners and sponsors
Mobile sensory unit
Adult changing table and accessible parking available (see event map)

Embrace the Pace logo t-shirt and participant medal

Purchase Registrations/Redeem Codes

To purchase your registration or redeem a code for the Kids' Run, visit our Run the Land race page. For help registering, email info@connectingforkids.org or call/text 440-570-5908.

Schedule, Deadlines & MAPS

Event Schedule

Time	Activity
9:00 a.m.	Start Time: 5K
9:10 a.m.	Start Time: One-Mile Run/Walk/Roll
10:00 a.m.	Awards Ceremony
10:15 a.m.	Kids’ Race heats*
10:30 a.m.	Hot dogs from 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. Download a free social story to help your child prepare for race day.

Deadlines

Date	Description
Aug. 9	Last day for guaranteed t-shirt/bag
Aug. 21	Registration closes

No race-day registration

Packet Pickup Options

All packet pickup will take place at the Kiwanis Pavilion, located at 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.

Event Map

Map includes race routes, parking and points of interest for participants.

Presenting Sponsors

Finish Line Sponsor

Water Station Sponsors

Mile Sponsors

Medal Sponsors

Aflac

Atlas Plumbing

Boundless

Circle Floor Company/
Carpet Plus Colortile

Dr. Marian Fam

JPotter Health

Office Evolution

Ohio Educational Credit Union

Prevent Pest Control

Nate Courtney State Farm

Sunshine Enrichment Academy

Suzanne Boehlefeld,
Children's Book Author

The Positivity Spectrum

Westlake Porter Public Library

Proceeds benefit Connecting for Kids and the City of Independence (where indicated). For questions, please contact Tish Henry, Connecting for Kids Fundraising Events Manager, at 440-666-9742 or tishhenry@connectingforkids.org

Connecting for Kids is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our Tax Identification Number (TIN) is 45-1689767. Donations are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by law.