2027 Race to Independence
5K Walk/Run
Join us Saturday, March 27, 2027, at Space Coast Field of Dreams for a 5K and a family-friendly Easter celebration that funds real independence for Brevard County youth.
The Race to Independence isn't just a 5K. It's a community stepping up for young people who've had to grow up too fast.
Every registration, every dollar raised, and every finish line crossed directly funds WAYS for Life's work helping youth ages 15–25 move from housing instability and foster care into stable, independent futures. Since 2020, that mission has reached over 580 young people in Brevard County.
This spring, you can be part of the next chapter.
This is a race day the whole family will love. Run or walk the certified 5K course, cheer on the kids in the Fun Run, then stick around for the fun at the bounce house, face painting, and our Eggstravaganza Egg Hunt. Every finisher earns a medal, every participant walks away with a race bag, and every person there is part of something bigger than a morning workout.
Registration Opens September 21, 2026
WAYS to Participate
RACE
Run or walk your way toward a cause that matters. Every registration fuels WAYS for Life's mission.
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Certified 5K course for runners and walkers, all paces welcome
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Kids' Fun Run for younger participants
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Race bag, event shirt, and finisher medal included
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Bounce house, face painting, and Eggstravaganza Egg Hunt on-site
SPONSOR
Put your business behind a mission that's changing lives in Brevard County. Packages range from $250 to exclusive presenting partnership.
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Logo placement on race shirts, signage, and event materials
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Booth space at the event
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Social media spotlights and recognition
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Featured on our website and in email campaigns
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Direct impact on housing, career, and mentorship programs for local youth
FUNDRAISE
Make your race entry mean more. Set up a page, build a team, and raise funds for a cause worth running for.
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Personal fundraising pages and team formation, open to workplaces, faith communities, and friend groups
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Milestone perks including exclusive swag
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Team competition with a live leaderboard and prizes for top fundraisers
WANT TO HELP IN A DIFFERENT WAY?
VOLUNTEER.
Be part of race day from the inside. Volunteers make the whole event possible, and there's a role for every schedule and skill set, including a great fit for schools, scout troops, and civic groups needing service hours.
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Course marshals, water station support, and registration table help
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Race bag assembly and packet pickup assistance
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Setup, teardown, and general event-day support
Start a Fundraiser
Registering for the Race to Independence is just the beginning. When you set up a personal fundraising page through RunSignup, every dollar you raise goes directly toward WAYS for Life's programs for young adults ages 15 to 25 facing foster care transitions and housing instability. It only takes a few minutes: register for the race, create your page, and share it with friends, family, and your employer (many companies match donations dollar for dollar). Hit fundraising milestones along the way to unlock exclusive perks, from swag to a spot on the leaderboard.
Fundraising Milestone Perks
Register & Set Up Your Page
Exclusive fundraiser bib identifier
Raise $100
Bonus swag item available at race day check-in
Raise $250
"Independence Maker" enamel pin & name on the fundraising honor roll
Raise $500
Exclusive WAYS for Life t-shirt
Raise $1,000
"Champion of Independence" exclusive medal and name announced from stage
Raise $2,500
All perks above, plus free 2028 registration and a dedicated social spotlight post
Leaderboard
*Updated Weekly
Name
Total Raised
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Top Fundraiser receives an Electric E-Bike
1st, 2nd, and 3rd place each receive a "Race to Independence Cup" trophy, presented on stage as well as featured in the post-event email blast and social recap post
Top 3 Fundraiser Awards
Become a Sponsor
Every dollar raised through the Race to Independence 5K directly funds WAYS for Life's programs for young adults ages 15 to 25 in Brevard County navigating foster care transitions and housing instability. Sponsors gain meaningful recognition across race day, digital channels, and the community, while standing behind a Platinum-rated nonprofit changing the trajectory of young lives.
$5,000 + or In-Kind
Corporate Sponsor
Our exclusive presenting partner, receiving the highest level of recognition at every touchpoint of the race, from top billing as event presenting sponsor to exclusive placement on the course, medals, banner, and shirts.
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Presenting sponsor naming rights and largest logo placement on shirts and banner
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Exclusive branding on medals and mile marker signage
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Prime booth location, stage time, and frequent emcee shoutouts
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4 race entries & shirts
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Top placement on the website, registration page, and newsletter
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Full sponsor impact report and first right of refusal for 2028
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Exclusive social media recognition in all event posts
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Include promotional items/materials in race bags
$5,000
Wraparound Champion
Champion-level partners receive premium recognition across nearly every touchpoint of race day, including exclusive naming rights to the Egg Hunt and top branding on race bibs worn by every participant.
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Exclusive Egg Hunt naming and logo on every race bib
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High-visibility logo on shirts and banner
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Great booth location, stage time, and emcee recognition
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4 race entries & shirts
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Strong placement on the website, registration page, and newsletter
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Full sponsor impact report and priority renewal for 2028
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Specialized social media promotion
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Include promotional items/materials in race bags
$2,500
Mentorship Maven
Maven sponsors receive exclusive branding on race water bottles, a highly visible item every participant grabs and carries throughout the event, along with solid digital and print visibility.
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Exclusive water bottle branding
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Mid-size logo on shirts and banner
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Booth space and emcee recognition at awards and throughout event
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2 race entries & shirts
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Logo on the website, registration page, and newsletter
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Social media recognition
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Include promotional items/materials in race bags
$1,000
Career Catalyst
Catalyst sponsors receive solid mid-tier visibility across print materials, the website, and race communications.
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Logo on shirts and banner
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Booth space and group emcee mention
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2 race entries & shirts
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Logo on the website and registration page
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Social media and newsletter recognition
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Include promotional items/materials in race bags
$500
Wellness Warrior
An accessible tier for businesses and community partners who want real event presence and name recognition across race materials.
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Name on shirts and banner
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Booth space and group emcee mention
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2 race entries & shirts
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Name on the website and registration page
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Social media and newsletter recognition
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Include promotional items/materials in race bags
$250
Independence Advocate
Designed for small businesses, individuals, and civic groups who want to stand with WAYS for Life youth at an entry-level investment.
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Name on shirts and banner
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Booth space and group emcee mention
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1 race entry & shirt
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Name on the website and registration page
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Social media and newsletter recognition
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Include promotional items/materials in race bags