A trip to Orlando, Florida is a fantastic way for travelers to unwind, relax, and focus on the fun of a well-deserved adventure. No matter what time of year you arrive, you’re bound to find a long list of opportunities for customizing your itinerary to fit your unique travel style. Those who are heading to Orlando in January with a passion for running their way to fun will find that they’re right on time to participate in the annual Kennedy Space Race 3K Walk/Run while they’re here. This beloved yearly tradition is just as fun to run as it is to watch making it an event everyone in your traveling crew can be a part of.

Kennedy Space Race Details

The next Kennedy Space Center Space Race 3K Walk/Run will be hosted on Friday, January 19, 2024, at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Merritt Island. The race is designed to be a fun experience that also builds a stronger community. Locals and visitors alike come together for this exciting race that makes its way throughout the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. While many participants walk or run for personal health reasons or a passion for running, all participants will enjoy the added benefit of racing their way through some spectacular settings!

The Kennedy Space Center Space Race 3K Walk/Run winds its way through the historic Rocket Garden which showcases no less than nine authentic rockets on-site. Runners will also make their way through the booster stack that leads to the entryway to the Space Shuttle Atlantis. Racing through Heroes & Legends is sure to delight as participants set their sights on the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. The 3K route works out to a 1.86-mile course that also includes a look at the Mercury 7 mural that promises to inspire.

Timing and scoring for the race are chip-determined by the Running Zone and awards are given out in men’s and women’s categories divided by age group. If you happen to be one of the winners, you’ll get to enjoy receiving your award from a veteran NASA astronaut! Once winners have been named, all participants are invited to come and enjoy a festive and fun after-party in the Rocket Garden complete with fantastic food and beverages to savor in good company.

Registration Information

Adult athletes who are looking to register for the Kennedy Space Race 3K Walk/Run have until December 31, 2023, to lock in their place for just $35. Children 12 and under who want to participate in the Kennedy Space Center racing fun can do so for $20 each. Between January 1, 2024, and January 18, 2024, registration for adults jumps to $40 for adults and $25 for children 12 and under. If you can’t register before race day, you can still participate in the fun at $45 for adults and $30 for kids. While guests who aren’t running don’t have to pay a registration fee, a $5 United Way donation is encouraged. Everyone who signs up for the event will receive a complimentary race shirt and access to a free beer or wine at the race after-party.

A Race You Can Feel Great About

Enjoying a race route through the Kennedy Space Center is already something to get excited about. Beyond the fun, the Kennedy Space Center Space Race 3K Walk/Run event is also a competition that participants can enjoy knowing includes running for a great cause! Proceeds from the race go towards benefiting the United Way of Brevard. This means that more than 82,000 people living in poverty in Brevard receive direct benefits from this annual race. The registration fees and donations processed on behalf of athletes and spectators will go back into the community to fight challenges with homelessness, hunger, health, and domestic violence alike.

Book Your Stay in Orlando Today

Whether you’re in Orlando to enjoy participating in the Kennedy Space Center Space Race 3K Walk/Run event, or you’re heading this way another time of year to savor the sunshine and warm weather, booking amazing accommodations can make a huge difference in your experience. At Orlando Vacation Homes, we’re proud to provide our guests with access to luxurious, inviting, stylish, and comfortable vacation rental options throughout Orlando that keep them close to the places they can’t wait to explore while infusing the best of world-class amenities and features into the getaway as well. Our property options come with the details in place that make all the difference whether you’re enjoying a quick retreat or an extended stay!

Reach out today to learn more about our inviting vacation rental options across the city including those that keep you near the starting line when you’re looking forward to running the Kennedy Space Center Space Race 3K Walk/Run this January. We look forward to seeing you in Florida soon!