BOCA RATON, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2026) — The Memorial Day Apple Pie 5K will return to Boca Raton for its 41st annual race, bringing runners, walkers, families and veterans to Spanish River Athletic Fields on Memorial Day morning.
The event is scheduled for Monday, May 25th, at 1000 Spanish River Blvd. The 5K race begins at 7 a.m., followed by the Whit’s Frozen Custard Mile Run at 8 a.m., a free kids race for children 8 and under at 8:15 a.m. and an awards ceremony at 8:30 a.m.
Hosted in partnership with the Runner’s Edge Foundation, the Memorial Day Apple Pie 5K has been held for more than four decades in Boca Raton. Organizers describe it as both a community race and a Memorial Day tradition built around honoring military service, family participation and local giving.
This year’s proceeds will benefit K9s For Warriors, a nonprofit organization that provides service dogs to veterans. According to event materials, K9s For Warriors serves veterans with PTSD or traumatic brain injury at no financial cost to the veteran.
The organization also works with rescue dogs, giving them a second chance as service animals. K9s For Warriors says its mission saves lives “at both ends of the leash” by pairing veterans with dogs trained to support them.
The race is free for active and retired members of the U.S. Armed Forces who pre-register in person at Runner’s Edge with identification, according to the event description.
For other participants, registration options include the Memorial Day Apple Pie 5K, the Whit’s Frozen Custard Mile Run, the kids race and a 5K option for ages 16 and under. Registration for the listed events ends May 25, 2026, at 7 a.m. EDT.
Packet pickup will be held at Runner’s Edge, 3195 N. Federal Highway in Boca Raton, from Wednesday, May 20, through Saturday, May 23. There will be no packet pickup on Sunday, May 24. Race morning packet pickup is scheduled from 6:15 a.m. to 7 a.m.
The race will include Accuchip timing, five-year age groups, overall and masters awards, and one-mile awards for multiple youth age divisions. Organizers also list post-race food, raffles and apple pie as part of the event.
Heather Lacy, race director, running coach and Boca Raton community leader, said the event is about more than finish times.
“Running has a unique way of bringing people together across generations and backgrounds. This race is about honoring service, creating memories, and reminding people that community still matters,” Lacy said.
The 5K course map provided for the event shows the race route around the Spanish River Athletic Fields area near Spanish River Boulevard, including water stops along the course and start and finish areas near the athletic fields.
Organizers say runners of all levels are welcome, from competitive athletes to walkers and first-time participants. The event also includes family-friendly options for younger runners, including the free kids race.
More information and registration are available through the event page at RunSignup.
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