
Embrace the Pace
Sat, Aug 22, 2026, 5:00 AM EDT
- Type
- Run
Finish signup on the organizer site (check fees and dates there).
Race feel
An inclusive race for every pace, supporting families and adapted playgrounds, complete with a celebratory dance party.
- Fun
- Competitive
- Quirky
- Festive
- For a Cause
Great for
- Beginner Friendly
From the organizer
Join Connecting for Kids, along with our partners and sponsors, for an inclusive race for every pace! The inaugural Embrace the Pace 5K, one-mile run/walk/roll and kids’ race welcomes participants of all ages and abilities. Dogs are permitted but must remain on a leash at all times.
Schedule:
9:00 a.m. Start Time: 5K 9:05 a.m. Start Time: One-Mile Run/Walk/Roll 10:00 a.m. Kids’ Race heats* 10:15 a.m. Awards Ceremony 10:30 a.m. Inclusive Dance Party with hot dogs from Autism Society of Greater Cleveland
* Kids’ Race heats will include categories for children who use wheelchairs, walkers, gait trainers, reciprocating gait orthosis or other mobility aids.
Packet Pickup Options
All packet pickup will take place at the Kiwanis Pavilion, located at Liberty Playground, 6363 Selig Blvd. in Independence.
Early Pickup: Friday, August 22 from 3:00 - 7:00 p.m. Race Day: Saturday, August 23 beginning at 7:30 a.m.
Runner perks:
Top Male/Female and age group prizes for 5K participants. Choice of prize!
Option 1: Fat Head's growler with $20 gift card (21+ only) Option 2: Commemorative fidget tropy with Embrace the Race logo
Finisher medals for all registered participants
T-shirt for 5K and One-Mile
Draw-string bag for 5K and One-Mile
Inclusive after-race dance party with free hot dogs
Resource tables, featuring partners and sponsors
Free kinesiology taping
Mobile sensory unit
Adult changing table and accessible parking available
Deadlines:
May 1, Early bird pricing ends Aug 10, Last day for guaranteed t-shirt Aug 22, Registration closes
No day of registration
#EmbraceThePaceCLE
Registrations for the 5K and one-mile run/walk/roll events include a donation to the City of Independence that will be used to purchase more adapted playground equipment. The remaining proceeds benefit Connecting for Kids free family programs. If you need assistance with registration, please email tishenry@connectingforkids.org or call/text 440-570-5908.