#Be A Buddy 5K
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Event Overview
The #Be A Buddy 5K takes place on October 17, 2026, at the Space Coast Field of Dreams in West Melbourne, Florida. It is a fundraising event for The Parker Foundation for Autism and Child Development, a non-profit organization that provides free resources, education, safety, sports, and arts programs for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and special needs, as well as their families.
Events
The event includes two participation formats:
- Individual 5K: An in-person 5K run/walk.
- Virtual 5K Run/Walk: A virtual option where participants complete the distance on their own.
Event Features
Participants in the in-person event receive a race t-shirt (with an option to forgo it for a $5 discount), a finisher medal, and free post-race refreshments. A DJ provides entertainment. After the race, there is a free Family Health and Fitness Expo with activities like trick-or-treating for children. Adaptive sports stations for tennis, basketball, and soccer, led by student volunteers, are available for families.
Awards are given to the top three overall male and female finishers, the top male and female masters (40+), and the top three in various age groups. Team awards are presented for the fastest team, largest team, and the team with the most spirit. A free kids' 100-yard dash fun run is scheduled after the 5K.
Packet pickup is available on the day before the race at Running Zone in Melbourne, and on race morning at the venue. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
