Buddy Run 5K
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Buddy Run 5K and Fun Run
The Buddy Run takes place on November 1, 2026 at Lake Park in Lutz, Florida. The event is organized by Congregation Beth Am Tampa and benefits Buddy Baseball, a non-competitive recreational league for children with special needs based in Temple Terrace, Florida.
The event includes multiple distances:
- 5K in person
- 1 Mile fun run in person
- Buddy Dash 25 yards for runners with special needs only
- Virtual 5K
- Virtual 1 Mile
Registration details vary by event. Registration opens November 15, 2025. In-person 5K and 1 Mile registration closes October 19, 2026. Some in-person and virtual events have registration that closes on November 1, 2026. Listed registration fees include $35 for the in-person 5K, $20 for the in-person 1 Mile, $0 for the Buddy Dash, $40 for the Virtual 5K, and $25 for the Virtual 1 Mile.
Awards are specified by event: the in-person 5K offers $50 restaurant gift certificates for top overall and masters male and female finishers and age group medals for top three finishers; the in-person 1 Mile awards a medal to the top girl and boy age 12 or under; the Buddy Dash gives all in-person participants a commemorative Buddy Run medal. Virtual participants may submit times between November 1 and November 2.
The Buddy Run is the largest fundraiser for Buddy Baseball and helps keep participant costs affordable while supporting the league model in which each player is paired with a Buddy to assist as needed. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
