15th Annual Superhero 5K and Fun Run

🏃‍♂️ Event Overview

The 15th Annual Superhero 5K & Fun Run will be held on February 7, 2026, at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota. The start/finish line will be ON THE ISLAND near the rowing finish tower!

This is a Foster Care Awareness Event. In-person and virtual racing options are available.

👶 Race Details

• Kids' Fun Run: Starts at 8:30am.
• 5K Chip Start: Between 9-9:10am: official chip time and place awarded.
• USATF Rules: Master and Overall timed at gun time of 9am.

🎉 Community Impact

More than just a race, the Superhero race brings together child welfare agencies and the community to highlight the approximately 700 youth who are in local foster care in Sarasota, Manatee, and DeSoto Counties, while providing a family-friendly event with music, a kiddie zone, food, and giveaways.

We believe that kids in foster care and those who care for them are some of our community's most incredible heroes, which is the reason we have chosen a superhero theme. So don’t be shy... come dressed as your favorite hero and get ready for an awesome race and cause! Participation medals will be awarded to the first 700 5K runners to cross the finish line!

🏅 Awards and Trophies

• Venue: An amazing location at Nathan Benderson Park in beautiful Sarasota, FL.
• Trophies: Best Superhero Family, Best Male & Female Superhero Costumes, Team Spirit (Team With Most Runners), Best Pet Superhero Costume.
• Costume Medals: For participants wearing costumes!

🥇 5K Awards Breakdown

Overall - Male and Female, Master - Male and Female (fastest over the age of 40), Grand Master - Male and Female (fastest over the age of 50), Senior Master - Male and Female (fastest over the age of 60), Veteran Master - Male and Female (fastest over the age of 70), Youth Overall - Male and Female (fastest under the age of 13).

Awards for 1st-3rd Male and Female in the following age groups: 9 and under, 10-12, 13-15, 16-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, 85-89, 90+.

💲 Registration Fees

• 5K Registration Fee: $20/30 June 1 – Nov 30, 2025: $25/35 Dec 1 – Dec 31, 2025: $30/40 Jan 1 – Jan 31, 2026: $35/$45 Feb 1 – Feb 6, 2026: onsite $50 (cash, check, or credit).
• Fun Run Registration Fee: $15 June 1 – Nov 30, 2025: $20 Dec 1, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026: $25 Feb 1 – Feb 6, 2026: onsite $25 (cash, check, or credit).

QR codes will also be provided for Race Day registration / Packet Pick up.

📅 Packet Pick-Up

Wednesday, February 4th and Thursday, February 5th from 4-6:30pm at New Balance UTC 315 N Cattlemen Rd Suite 1, Sarasota, FL 34243.

🕖 Event Schedule

• 6:45-7:45am: Race Day Registration (6:45-8:30am Day of Packet Pickup).
• 8:20am: National Anthem.
• 8:30am: Fun Run start.
• 9:00-9:10am: CHIP START 5K. OVERALL/MASTERS are GUN TIME. Children, strollers, and slower runners fill the back, please.
• 10:00am: Awards Ceremony. Runners who do not want to stay to claim their medals will be provided pick up options at BaL’s Office @ 9015 Town Center Parkway, Suite #126 Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202. We apologize, but medals will not be handed out early.

🗺️ Course and Parking

The course is an out-and-back. The 5K race will begin near the finish tower on the island (same location as 2025 race).

Parking will be on the island near the rowing finish tower. Bridge a Life and race signage will be posted for clarity. Parking location and a course map will be posted to our Facebook page (search for Bridge a Life).

Note: Registrations after 1/14/26 are not guaranteed a shirt.