Saturday, August 22nd, 2026
Liberty Playground, Independence OH
5K · 1 Mile
About this race
Race Overview
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
- 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!
- Finisher Medals: Finisher medals for all registered participants
- T-shirts: T-shirt for 5K and One-Mile
- Draw-string Bags: Draw-string bag for 5K and One-Mile
- Food: Free hot dogs from the Autism Society of Greater Cleveland
- Resources: Resource tables, featuring partners and sponsors
- Sensory Unit: Mobile sensory unit
- Accessibility: Adult changing table and accessible parking available
Deadlines
- Aug. 9: Last day for guaranteed shirt
- Aug. 21: Registration closes
* No day-of registration
Share Your Experience
Share your race photos using the hashtag #EmbraceThePaceCLE
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.
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.
Course map
Train with a club
Run clubs near Independence to train with before race day.
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