Running 20K in 2019 Local nonprofits collaborate to raise funds, awareness

On the Space Coast, signing up for a race is a great way to stay accountable to fitness resolutions — and this year, four local nonprofits are encouraging residents to commit to racing 20K in 2019. The well-established races aim to inspire locals to get active in the new year, with each race of the series helping give a participation boost to the other three.

“We expect to reach 10,000 local walkers and runners with promotion for the series, between the combined followers of all four individual races,” David Scholl, series director, said. “This is a win-win for the races and the community participants.”

The inaugural Run for the Kids Race Series kicks off on Jan. 26 at the Tooth Trot 5K at 7:30 a.m. at Wickham Park Community Center. Three more 5K races follow over two months, with the runners racing a total of 20K by the final race on March 23.

In its 21st year, the Tooth Trot 5K benefits Give Kids a Smile, an American Dental Association program managed locally by members of the Brevard County Dental Society. Give Kids a Smile provides free dental screenings and treatments to children in need in Brevard.

The second race of the series is the 10th annual Brevard PALS 5K Run/Walk for Autism Awareness at 8 a.m. on Feb. 16 at The Scott Center for Autism Treatment at the Florida Institute of Technology. The race supports autism education and resources in Brevard.

The 7th Annual Brianna Marie Foundation 5K takes place March 9 at Wickham Park. The foundation raises funds to further fetal therapies or life-saving surgeries performed on babies before they are born.

The fourth and final race is the 37th Annual Downtown Melbourne 5K at 7:30 a.m. on March 23. The race starts in front of New Wizardly Race House on the corner of Municipal Lane, between New Haven and Strawbridge avenues. The race has a Harry Potter theme this year and proceeds benefit The Haven for Children, which offers support services for local children who have suffered abuse and neglect.

Runners who sign up for the series before the first race on Jan. 26 and complete all four races will receive a special finisher’s medal at the March 23 race. Top three overall series finishers for men and women also will receive a special award at the final race.

“The running community here in Brevard is so strong, especially when it comes to running for a good cause,” Scholl said. “It just made sense to come together to boost each other’s races and help families here in our community.”

Series registrants receive all the amenities of the individual races — from T-shirts to finisher medals — plus the additional medal for completing the four runs.

Entries for the race series are $100 for adults and $80 for students. Sign up by visiting Facebook.com/RunForTheKidsBrevard. Sponsorships also are available by contacting Scholl at dscholl222@gmail.com.

Run for the Kids Race Series

Jan. 26: Tooth Trot 5K

Feb. 16: Brevard PALS 5K Run/Walk for Autism Awareness

March 9: Brianna Marie Foundation 5K

March 23: Downtown Melbourne 5K

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