Embrace the Pace

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.

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.

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.

• 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

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. 

Connecting for Kids provides resources, support and community to families in Northeast Ohio who have concerns about their child. We support families who have children with mental health concerns, developmental delays and disabilities as well as those facing major life changes.

Join fellow runners on August 22, 2026 for the Embrace the Pace. It's a fantastic 5K, 1.6K, 0.8K featuring a flat and fast course in Independence.