The Race for Education benefiting Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) will take place on the campus of University of South Florida (USF) on Saturday, November 7.
The fifth annual event is a partnership between the Hillsborough Education Foundation (HEF), HCPS and USF and is being held at USF for the first time. The funds that are generated beyond the cost of the event will support HEF’s school and classroom grants.
AnnMarie Courtney, the director of partnership engagement for HCPS, said the Race for Education provides a meaningful opportunity for students, families and staff to come together while promoting physical health, mental well-being and a strong sense of community.
“The Race for Education creates a culture of wellness by demonstrating that being active can be enjoyable and inclusive.
Whether participants run, jog or walk, everyone can take part at their own pace.
The shared experience promotes connection, school spirit and healthy choices that can extend well beyond race day,” Courtney said.
HEF President and CEO Anna Corman said she is thankful for the way the race brings people together to celebrate public schools.
“Seeing so many people come out and participate is a powerful reminder of how much our community values its schools and the students and educators within them. We are very excited to bring this year’s Race for Education to a new location at the University of South Florida, giving our community a new setting to come together and celebrate public education,” Corman said.
In 2025, just over 1,200 community members participated in the event. Corman and Courtney are grateful for the participants, the business sponsors for the event and the new partnership with USF.
Genna Custard, a Florida Virtual School teacher and former HCPS educator, is a participant who runs the race every year.
“Year after year, I come back to the HEF run because I will use any opportunity to give back to teachers. I know teachers are the core and heart of our schools. They pour into our students every day. On a personal note, I enjoy seeing my fitness progress year after year. I do 99 percent of my runs solo and this is an opportunity to cheer on friends and colleagues and just have fun!” Custard said.
The Race for Education includes a 5K and 1-mile walk/run. There is on-course entertainment from HCPS student groups. The 5K is timed, and the top age-group 5K finishers will receive awards. Finishers of both the 5K and 1-mile walk/run will receive a race shirt and finisher’s medal.
USF is located at 4202 E. Fowler Ave. in Tampa. To register for the race, visit https://runsignup.com/race/fl/tampa/hef5k.
