Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Run for Reading 5k walk and run
Sat, Nov 7, 2026, 3:00 AM EST
- Type
- Run
Finish signup on the organizer site (check fees and dates there).
Race feel
Run or walk for a wonderful cause at this family-friendly 5k, directly supporting early childhood literacy in Palm Beach County.
- Fun
- Competitive
- For a Cause
Fun
Competitive
For a CauseGreat for
- Beginner Friendly
- Family Friendly
Beginner Friendly
Family FriendlyJoin the 5th Annual Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Run for Reading 5k in Royal Palm Beach, Florida. This family-friendly run and walk directly supports literacy by providing books to children under five in Palm Beach County. Your participation helps spread the joy of reading, ensuring young children receive a high-quality book each month at no cost to their families. Enjoy a chip-timed race in Commons Park, knowing every step contributes to a meaningful cause.
What to expect
- Enjoy a chip-timed 5k run or walk in Commons Park.
- Receive a custom finisher's medal, race t-shirt, and swag bag.
- Celebrate your finish with post-race refreshments and the awards ceremony.
Standout details
- Supports Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
- Custom finisher's medal & race t-shirt
- Virtual race option available
- Book drive & raffle prizes on race day
Perks & features
- Awards
- Chip Timed
- Food & Drink
- Shirt
- Swag Included
Awards
Chip Timed
Food & Drink
Shirt
Swag IncludedFrom the public listing; confirm on the official site.
Distances & registration
2 optionsUse the official signup link above for all distances.
5K
2 options · closes Nov 7, 2026, 3:00 AM EST
6mo 8d 18h 49m leftDolly Parton's Imagination Library Run for Reading 5K wa…
Closes Nov 7, 2026, 3:00 AM EST · From $28.00
Virtual Run for Reading 5k
Closes Nov 7, 2026, 3:00 AM EST · From $22.70
Summaries use public event text. Confirm schedule, fees, and rules on the official page before you sign up.
Past race snapshot
What the field usually feels like
A plain-English read from past public results. It is helpful context, not a prediction.
Crowd
Small field
5 5K finishers in 2025. A quieter race where the pack may spread out more quickly.
Typical finish
43:07
Think middle-of-the-pack, using gun time when available.
Competitive feel
Relaxed front
Past results suggest the front of the field is less intense than many races. Front-group read: 35:20.
People mix
Mixed field
Gender mix needs more complete finish rows before we summarize it.
Quick read
For the 5K in 2025, this looks like a small field: 5 finishers are represented here. A middle-of-the-pack finish was around 43:07. The quicker front of the field averaged about 35:20. Use it as a feel check, not a promise about race day.
Award clues
Historic placement clues only. Race-day awards can use different rules.
Overall observed placement
Top 3 (from finish order in our sample)
Show the year-by-year numbers
| Distance | Year | Finishers | Typical | Average | Front 10% | Fastest M / W |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5K | 2025 | 5 | 43:07 | 43:58 | 35:20 | Not enough data / 35:20 |
Last summary update: May 2, 2026
From the organizer
Supporting Literacy in Palm Beach County
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is an award-winning book gifting program for children under age five. The Imagination Library has gifted over 300 million books since 1995, to children in five countries! The program mails each child enrolled a high-quality book each month, at no cost to the family, from birth through their fifth birthday.
The Imagination Library is a partnership between the Dollywood Foundation and local community partners like 501c3 nonprofit organization, the PBC Imagination Library. Your participation in the run and walk will provide Imagination Library books for children in Palm Beach County! Thank you for supporting literacy and spreading the joy of reading in our community!
The 5th Annual Run for Reading 5k run/walk is a family-friendly event and the perfect opportunity to stay active while supporting literacy in Palm Beach County. The race will take place in Commons Park in Royal Palm Beach and will be timed by AccuChip. The race is chip timed, so your time starts when you cross the starting line and end when you cross the finish line.
There is also a virtual race ! Pick up your swag bag, t-shirt and race medal locally, or select the shipping option, and run or walk anywhere.
Participants will receive a uniquely designed custom race medal, race t-shirt, chip start, swag bag, age group awards, and post-race refreshments!
Packet Pickup:
-Early packet pickup will be at the Fit2Run store at the Wellington Green Mall on Thursday, November 5, 2026.
-Day-of registration and packet pickup are available on race day, at Commons Park by the starting line, starting at 7am.
Medals and Awards:
Each participant will receive a custom finisher's medal. Overall and age group winners will also receive a custom award! Awards ceremony will immediately follow the event.
Book Drive:
We are hosting a book drive. Please bring gently used books for children of all ages. There will be a donation box at the race and at packet pickup. On race day, you can also pick up free books to take home!
Raffle Prizes:
Each participant will receive a raffle ticket. Put your ticket in at the raffle table on race day, to be entered to win.
Thank you to our sponsors !