Embrace the Pace

🏃‍♂️ Race Overview

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

🕒 Schedule

• 9:00 a.m.: Start Time: 5K
• 9:05 a.m.: Start Time: One-Mile Run/Walk/Roll
• 10:00 a.m.: Kids’ Race heats*
• 10:15 a.m.: Awards Ceremony
• 10:30 a.m.: Inclusive Dance Party with 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.

📦 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, August 22 from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m.
• Race Day: Saturday, August 23 beginning at 7:30 a.m.

🎖️ Runner Perks

• Prizes: Top Male/Female and age group prizes for 5K participants
• Finisher Medals: for all registered participants
• T-shirt: for 5K and One-Mile
• Draw-string Bag: for 5K and One-Mile
• After-race Party: Inclusive dance party with free hot dogs
• Resource Tables: featuring partners and sponsors
• Kinesiology Taping: Free kinesiology taping available
• Sensory Unit: Mobile sensory unit
• Accessibility: Adult changing table and accessible parking available

⏰ Deadlines

• May 1: Early bird pricing ends
• Aug 10: Last day for guaranteed t-shirt
• Aug 22: Registration closes
• No Day of Registration

📢 Registration Information

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.

🤝 Sponsorship Opportunities

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please follow this link.

🌟 About Connecting for Kids

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.