Race for Education

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:

1.       Enter campus at the main entrance on Leroy Collins Blvd. off East Fowler Ave.

2.       Turn right onto USF Alumni Dr.

3.       At the next light, turn left onto USF Genshaft Dr.

4.       Turn left onto USF Willow Dr.

5.       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.

1. Turn right onto USF Alumni Dr.

2. Turn left onto USF Genshaft Dr.

3. 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.