Race for Education
About This Event
**Join us for the 5th Annual Race for Education 5K on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at the University of South Florida (USF)! **
The **Race for Education 5K **is a run/walk hosted by Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS), the Hillsborough Education Foundation (HEF) and the University of South Florida (USF), College of Education. The 2026 Race for Education is November 7 located on USF's campus.
Let's pick up the pace for public education as we prepare students for life in Hillsborough County Public Schools! Runners and walkers of all ages and fitness levels are invited for fun-filled miles in Tampa to support our schools. Participants will enjoy music performances by students throughout the miles.
In addition to the 5k, there is an untimed one-mile race option. Both the 5k and 1-mile events can be run or walked.
Registration includes a swag bag with a race-day bib, freebies from our partners in education and a shirt.* All finishers receive a medal.
- Race shirt* for all participants
- Post race food and drink
- Goodie bags for all participants
- Finisher medals to all participants 5K/1 Mile
- Awards to Overall 5k Male/Female
- 5k Awards: 1st, 2nd, 3rd place (five-year age groups)
*Close to race day, shirt size choices are available on a first come, first served basis.
Our post-race celebration is like no other in the area! We have giveaways, snacks and refreshments.
Are you Hillsborough county staff or student or a student at USF? Don't forget to apply your promo code!
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5k Registration
- $40 August 1 through October 7
- $45 October 8 through Race Day, November 7
1-Mile Registration
- $20 through Race Day, November 7
Packet Pickups:
Packet Pickup before race day is strongly encouraged!
· Wednesday, November 4: Fit2Run at International Mall in Tampa, 3–7 p.m.
2223 N. Westshore Blvd., Tampa, FL 33607
· Thursday, November 5: Campo YMCA in Valrico, 3–7 p.m.
3414 Culbreath Rd., Valrico, FL 33596
· Friday, November 6: USF, Drive-thru packet pickup, 5-7 p.m.
4111 USF Willow Dr, Tampa, FL 33620*
Directions to Friday’s Drive- through Packet Pickup:
Enter campus at the main entrance on Leroy Collins Blvd. off East Fowler Ave.
Turn right onto USF Alumni Dr.
At the next light, turn left onto USF Genshaft Dr.
Turn left onto USF Willow Dr.
Follow the signs to packet pick-up at the roundabout.
*Please note: Google Maps to the College of Education will take you in on Apple Drive, which will not take you to the packet pickup. This address (to the Stavros Center) will) will take you to the circle drive: 4111 USF Willow Dr, Tampa, FL 33620
· Saturday, November 7: Race Day at USF — packet pick-up begins at 7 a.m.
Race Day Schedule:
Join us at the stage at 7:20 before the start of the 5K.
5K: 8 a.m. (timed)* 1-Mile Run/Walk: approximately 9:15 a.m. (untimed)*
Awards (5K only) - approximately 9:15 am
Getting to the Race/Parking Guidelines:
Free parking is available in the Collins Blvd Parking Garage.
Enter at the main USF entrance on Leroy Colling Blvd. Then follow the parking signs.
Turn right onto USF Alumni Dr.
Turn left onto USF Genshaft Dr.
Turn left onto USF Willow Dr. to reach the Collins parking garage.
Post-5K and 1-mile:
Make sure to stick around for the post-race celebration with awards for overall male and female, plus gold, silver, and bronze medals in each age group. Also, check out informational tables with resources and freebies from our partners in education, and learn about important services and programs available in Hillsborough County Public Schools.
Race Distances
Ready to run?
Registration Pricing
5K
$45.00
+ $4.00 processing fee
event_busy Registration closes Nov 7, 2026
1 Mile
$20.00
+ $3.25 processing fee
event_busy Registration closes Nov 7, 2026
Prices from the official registration page, updated several times a day.
Registration links may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Weather
Frequently Asked Questions
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Race Day Schedule
11/7/2026 08:00
5K Start
11/7/2026 09:15
1 Mile Start
Registration
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Local Running Stores
Tampa, Tampa Bay
Feet First has been a South Tampa institution since 1979 — one of the longest-running specialty athletic shoe stores in the Tampa Bay area. Located in the Palma Ceia neighborhood on Bay to Bay Boulevard, the store is a cornerstone of South Tampa's running community and a go-to resource for runners, walkers, and tennis players across the peninsula. Staff provide gait analysis and hands-on fittings, carrying an impressive roster of brands including Brooks, Hoka, ASICS, Altra, Saucony, On Running, Mizuno, and Adidas. The store covers a broader range of athletic footwear than a pure running shop — road running, trail, walking, and tennis shoes are all well represented — making it a one-stop destination for active South Tampa residents. Locally owned and community-rooted, Feet First has built decades of loyalty by prioritizing personalized service in a neighborhood setting.
phone (813) 835-1339 language Visit WebsiteTampa, Tampa Bay
Fit2Run at International Plaza brings the brand's signature specialty running experience to one of Tampa's premier shopping destinations on Westshore Boulevard. Extended mall hours make this one of the most accessible specialty running stores in the Tampa Bay area — open until 9pm on weekdays and Saturdays, and 7pm on Sundays. The store delivers Fit2Run's hallmark approach: trained running specialists, complimentary video gait analysis, and a wide selection of performance footwear from top brands including Brooks, Hoka, ASICS, and On Running. Staff are equipped to fit runners of all levels, from beginners to competitive athletes preparing for Tampa Bay races. The International Plaza location also carries a full range of technical running apparel, hydration gear, socks, and recovery accessories — making it a convenient one-stop shop in the heart of Tampa's Westshore district.
All Fit2Run locations phone (813) 873-2786 language Visit WebsiteTampa, Tampa Bay
Fleet Feet New Tampa serves the growing running communities of New Tampa, Wesley Chapel, Lutz, and Land O' Lakes from its location in the Hunters Village area on the city's north side. As part of the Fleet Feet Tampa franchise, the store brings the brand's nationally recognized fit id® 3D scanning outfitting process to Tampa's suburban running population. Staff use 3D foot scanning technology to measure each customer's feet precisely and match them to footwear based on arch height, volume, and width — a data-driven approach that reduces guesswork and returns customers who know their fit. The store carries road and trail footwear, technical apparel, and accessories from leading brands. Fleet Feet New Tampa participates in local training programs and group runs connecting runners across Tampa's fast-growing north side, and is part of the broader Fleet Feet Tampa network that also serves the Lakeland area.
All Fleet Feet locations phone (813) 428-6945 language Visit WebsiteRunner's gear
Gear for race day
ASICS Sonicblast 2 (women's)
Fast-day trainer, new for fall 2026
Check price on Amazon →
Brooks Ghost 17
Neutral daily trainer, wide sizes
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Garmin Forerunner 265
GPS watch with training load and AMOLED screen
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Race for Education
November 7, 2026