12th Annual Heroes for Education 5K Set

Runners at the starting line

(Education Foundation of Palm Beach County): 12th Annual Heroes for Education 5K
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More than 2,000 runners, walkers, students and school mascots will lace up their shoes to support public education at the 12th Annual Heroes for Education 5K, presented by the Education Foundation of Palm Beach County, UnitedHealthcare and Optum. The Heroes for Education 5K has become one of Palm Beach County's largest community events supporting public education, raising funds and awareness for programs, grants and initiatives benefiting students, teachers, schools and families in the School District of Palm Beach County. The morning will include a chip-timed 5K Run/Walk, Kids 1-Mile Fun Run, Kids 100-Yard Dash, School Mascot Race, awards ceremony, vendor village, and more.

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Awards will be given in the following categories:

• Heroes Awards:
  • The public school with the most registered participants will receive the Overall Participation Award and $1,500 for educational supplies. The top participating teams from High School, K-8 School, Middle School, Elementary School and K-12 or Alternative School categories will receive $1,250. New this year the top participating School District Department will receive $1,250 for their department.
• Fastest Run:
  • Fastest time in Elementary School, K-8 School, Middle School and High School categories. First-place winners receive $500 for educational supplies.
• School Mascot Dash:
  • It’s a dash to the finish line for Palm Beach County mascots to claim the School Mascot Dash title and $250 for their school. This race is only for costumed Palm Beach County School District mascots.
• Age Group Awards:
  • Presented in 5-year increments, ages 9 to 70+, overall winners and masters.
    
    

WHERE:  John Prince Park – 4756 S. Congress Avenue, Lake Worth Beach, FL 33461
 
WHEN: Sunday, October 4, 2026
6:00 a.m.: Race Day Registration Opens
7:20 a.m.: Kids 1-Mile Fun Run (Ages 12 and Under)
7:45 a.m.: 5K Run/Walk (Chip Timed)
8:45 a.m.: Kids 100-Yard Dash (Ages 7 and Under)
9:00 a.m.: School Mascot Race
9:15 a.m.: Awards Ceremony
 
ADMISSION: Registration ranges from $15–$65 depending on event category and registration date. Virtual participation options are also available. Registration is limited to 2,000 participants.
 
CONTACT INFO: Please visit https://educationfoundationpbc.org/events/ to learn more or contact Matt Papaycik at [email protected].