Space Coast Field of Dreams, West Melbourne FL
Saturday, October 17th, 2026
To Benefit
The Parker Foundation for Autism and Child Development, a Florida based 501c3 non-profit EIN# 47-2763126 serving Brevard County and beyond since 2015. The Parker Foundation provides free resources to children, teens, and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and special needs and their families through funding and facilitating education, safety, sports and arts programs. The #BeABuddy 5K celebrates the Be a Buddy Initiative which includes our Peer Buddy and Buddy Ambassador program, bullying prevention education, and safety initiatives to connect families with law enforcement and first responders. The Parker Foundation is thankful for the opportunity to provide events where individuals, businesses and organizations can come together to help integrate special needs families into their communities.
RACE AMENITIES
- Awesome T-shirt: Race T-shirt (Or $5 no T-shirt option)
- Finisher medal: Participants will receive a finisher medal
- Free refreshments: Post-race refreshments provided
- Awards presentation: For Age Group Winners
- Team Awards: Fastest, Largest and Most Team Spirit
- Awards for Overall Winners: Recognition for top finishers
- DJ/Entertainment: Enjoy live entertainment during the event
- Health and Fitness EXPO: Post race with sponsors and vendors plus trick or treating for kids
- Adaptive sports stations: Family-friendly sports activities led by student volunteers
- The Be a Buddy Pledge: Sign the giant "Unity Banner" to show your commitment
TIME TABLE
Friday, October 16th - Running Zone
(3696 N. Wickham Road, Melbourne, FL 32935)
- 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM: Packet Pickup & Registration
Saturday, October 17th - Space Coast Field of Dreams
(3053 Fell Road, West Melbourne, FL 32904)
- 7:00 AM: Packet Pickup & Late Registration Opens
- 7:45 AM: Packet Pickup & Late Registration Ends
- 8:00 AM: 5K Start!
- 9:00 AM: Free Kids 100 yard dash fun run
- 9:15 AM: Awards Ceremony
- *Approximate times
AWARDS
- Top 3 Overall: Male & Female categories
- Top Masters: 40+ Male & Female categories
- Top 3 in each age group: 8 & under, 9-11, 12-14, 15-19, 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+
- Team Awards: Fastest Team, Largest Team, Most Team Spirit!
FEES
- Adult: $35 ($40 10/16 - 10/17)
- Child under 16: $20 ($25 10/16 - 10/17)
More Information
For more details, please visit the race page: #Be A Buddy 5K.
