Kennedy Kids Foundation 4th Annual 5K & 8K!

Come join us for our annual 5K Run with the addition of our NEW 8K course option! 

 
Get ready to run, walk, cheer, and celebrate community at the Kennedy Kids Foundation 5K/8K Run, proudly presented by (THIS COULD BE YOU) and hosted on the beautiful campus of Barry University in Miami Shores — the very neighborhood where our dear Kennedy Bailey grew up, made friends, and created so many meaningful memories.

This inspiring morning is open to all families, ages, fitness levels, and abilities. Whether you’re racing for a personal best, walking with loved ones, showing support, or simply coming out for a positive day in the community, there is a place for you at the starting line.

Participants will enjoy a professionally timed race experience with real-time chip tracking provided by our incredible partners at Split Second Timing & Wildside, so runners can follow results and standings throughout the event.

And the excitement continues at the finish line! We’ll be awarding cash prizes to the 1st place male and female athletes, plus 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place medals for male and female finishers in each age division.

Join us for a powerful morning of movement, hope, connection, and purpose as we come together to support teen mental health and honor Kennedy’s light. Sign up today and be part of something that moves our whole community forward.

This race was the brainchild of Sienna Alvarez-Coia, a childhood friend of Kennedy’s who wanted to create this race in her honor. Sadly, Kennedy struggled with depression due to a mental health crisis and passed away on Thursday, September 15, 2022. In her memory, our Kennedy Kids Foundation is dedicated to crowdfunding, fundraising, and developing programs and initiatives to prevent youth suicide. We’re focused on mental health and education, increased help-seeking behavior, and equitable access to care. Our goal is to end this tragic epidemic and save lives. 

Will you join us in supporting mental health awareness and suicide prevention among teens? Are you or someone you know in need of mental health services?  Dial or Text 988 24/7 for someone to talk to. You are not alone!  Please visit our resources page on our site for additional options.

You can also support our mission by making a donation to the Kennedy Kids Foundation and our teen mental health initiatives. Thank you in advance for your support.  Unable to join us in person on race day, then we encourage you to sign up for our Virtual Race Option, all are welcome. 

EARLY PACKET PICK UP OPTION:

Saturday, September 12TH, 2026  12PM - 4PM at IRUN 5050 Biscayne Blvd #103, Miami, FL 33137

WHAT TO EXPECT RACE DAY:

Race day packet pickup will be available from 6:00–7:00 AM outside of Farrell Hall in the Campus Mall area.

The Kennedy Kids Foundation 4th Annual 5K/8K begins at 7:00 AM, and we can’t wait to start the morning together with energy, purpose, and community spirit! Please plan to arrive, park, and check in by 6:45 AM so you’re ready before temporary road closures begin and in time to join our uplifting pre-race stretch sponsored by THE WARRIOR SHIFT.

Once you’ve picked up your packet, take a moment to enjoy our vendor partner tables, connect with others, and celebrate a morning dedicated to wellness, hope, and supporting teen mental health.

RACE DAY LOCATION:

BARRY UNIVERSITY:  11300 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami Shores, FL 33161

POST RACE INFORMATION: 

Join us for a morning full of energy, celebration, and community fun! Our Community Sponsors Area will feature family-friendly activities for everyone to enjoy before and after the race.

After the finish, stick around for our exciting Awards Presentation, where we’ll celebrate our runners with $500 in CASH PRIZES for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd overall winners, plus medals for the top 1st, 2nd, and 3rd male and female finishers in each age group.

And of course, every finisher will receive a finisher medal to celebrate their accomplishment!

COURSE INFORMATION:

Road Closures for the Kennedy Kids 5k Run Course:

Southbound lane of NE 2nd Ave. from 111th St. to 115th St
Westbound at NE 2nd Ave. and 111th St. to the entrance of 111th St. to Barry’s entrance at the Gatehouse. 
Westbound at NE 2nd Ave. and 115th St. all the way to NW 5th Ave.
Southbound on NW 5th Ave. to NW 111th St.
Eastbound on 111th St. to North Miami Ave.
Northbound on North Miami Ave., from 111th St. to NW 115th St., back Eastbound to NW 1st Ct., then into the university at the Garner gate back to the finish line.  

PARKING:  Parking will be available in the South Landon Lot, located on North Miami Avenue. 

*Restrooms will be available. 

VOLUNTEERS:  Don't feel like running? Then volunteer! Over 100 volunteers are needed to help with a variety of pre-race and race day activities. Please visit the volunteer tab to register!  Email info@kennedykids.org for questions.

For more information, help, mental health education and to join our mailing list visit www.kennedykids.org