Gateway to Space
- Date Sat 7th March 2026
- Time 8:00AM EST
- Location Kennedy Space Center, Florida
- Price $48.70 - $59.30
- Races 3 races
- Distances 5km, 10km
Event summary
Get ready to blast off at the Gateway to Space event on Saturday, March 7, 2026, in the vibrant city of Orlando, Brevard! This exciting 5K and 10K race will take place at the iconic Space Florida Launch and Landing Facility, formerly known as the Shuttle Landing Facility. Participants will not only enjoy a thrilling race surrounded by the spirit of space exploration but will also support a noble cause, as the event benefits the American Cancer Society.
Join fellow runners and space enthusiasts for a day filled with camaraderie, fun, and purpose. The event kicks off bright and early, with parking opening at 5:30 AM and the race starting at 8:00 AM. Participants can look forward to complimentary race shirts, finisher medals, a costume contest, and awards for top finishers. Whether you’re running for a personal best or to raise awareness for cancer research, the Gateway to Space promises an unforgettable experience!
Join fellow runners and space enthusiasts for a day filled with camaraderie, fun, and purpose. The event kicks off bright and early, with parking opening at 5:30 AM and the race starting at 8:00 AM. Participants can look forward to complimentary race shirts, finisher medals, a costume contest, and awards for top finishers. Whether you’re running for a personal best or to raise awareness for cancer research, the Gateway to Space promises an unforgettable experience!
Organiser's Description
The Gateway to Space is a 5K/10K is held on the Space Florida Launch and Landing Facility (formerly known as the Shuttle Landing Facility) and benefits the American Cancer Society. The American Cancer Society, is on a mission to free the world from cancer. Until then, they fund and conduct research, share expert information, support patients, and spread the word about prevention. All so you can live longer and better. For the first time in history, the American Cancer Society's mission is at risk. Fundraising is not required but is highly encouraged. Mindy from Mindy & Company on Lite Rock 99.3 will be hosting the event.
PACKET PICKUP:
_Early Packet Pickup - TBA_
Saturday, March 7th, 2026 @ Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
6:00 AM - 7:00 AM
RACE DAY:
Saturday, March 7, 2026 @ Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Kennedy Space Center, SR 405, Kennedy Space Center, FL US 32953
5:30 AM: Parking Opens at the KSC Visitor Complex
5:45 AM: Check-In/Packet Pickup & Security Opens at the KSC Visitor Complex.
7:00 AM: KSC Parking Closes and Last Bus to Shuttle Landing Facility Departs
8:00 AM: 5K/10K Start
Amenities
* Complimentary race shirt (Guaranteed shirt by Jan 24, 2026 registration)
* Finisher Medals
* Costume Contest
* Recognition of Top Fundraisers
5K & 10K Awards: _*Participants can each ONLY get 1 Award. _
* 1st, 2nd, 3rd Overall Male & Female
* 1st Masters Male & Female
* Age Group awards - 1st, 2nd, 3rd Male & Female
**Due to the fundraising nature of this event, if circumstances outside of our control prevent us from racing in person all participants will be moved to the virtual race. No refunds will be issued. If you choose not to attend in-person, your race registration can be transferred to the Virtual Race through March 1st, 2026. There will be an additional charge to mail race packets if you choose this option.
Registrations cannot be deferred to 2027.
PACKET PICKUP:
_Early Packet Pickup - TBA_
Saturday, March 7th, 2026 @ Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
6:00 AM - 7:00 AM
RACE DAY:
Saturday, March 7, 2026 @ Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Kennedy Space Center, SR 405, Kennedy Space Center, FL US 32953
5:30 AM: Parking Opens at the KSC Visitor Complex
5:45 AM: Check-In/Packet Pickup & Security Opens at the KSC Visitor Complex.
7:00 AM: KSC Parking Closes and Last Bus to Shuttle Landing Facility Departs
8:00 AM: 5K/10K Start
Amenities
* Complimentary race shirt (Guaranteed shirt by Jan 24, 2026 registration)
* Finisher Medals
* Costume Contest
* Recognition of Top Fundraisers
5K & 10K Awards: _*Participants can each ONLY get 1 Award. _
* 1st, 2nd, 3rd Overall Male & Female
* 1st Masters Male & Female
* Age Group awards - 1st, 2nd, 3rd Male & Female
**Due to the fundraising nature of this event, if circumstances outside of our control prevent us from racing in person all participants will be moved to the virtual race. No refunds will be issued. If you choose not to attend in-person, your race registration can be transferred to the Virtual Race through March 1st, 2026. There will be an additional charge to mail race packets if you choose this option.
Registrations cannot be deferred to 2027.
Races
-
Gateway to Space 5K
Incl. $3.70 Fee & T-Shirt (Guaranteed Size by Jan 24th, 2026)
Sat 7th March 2026 (8:00AM EST)
$48.70
You must be a US citizen, no green card holders, you will be entering a US military base and restrictions apply. Participants MUST be over the age of 12. By registering for this race, you are giving your consent to a federal background check. ONLY registered participants will be allowed to board the buses out to the LLF. NO spectators. Please arrive with your ID and running attire, any bags or personal belongings may be subject to search. If the race does not sell out, registration will close five days prior to the race, NO late registrations allowed. -
Gateway to Space 10K
Incl. $4.30 Fee & T-Shirt (Guaranteed Size by Jan 24th, 2026)
Sat 7th March 2026 (8:00AM EST)
$59.30
You must be a US citizen, no green card holders, you will be entering a US military base and restrictions apply. Participants MUST be over the age of 12. By registering for this race, you are giving your consent to a federal background check. ONLY registered participants will be allowed to board the buses out to the LLF. NO spectators. Please arrive with your ID and running attire, any bags or personal belongings may be subject to search. If the race does not sell out, registration will close five days prior to the race, NO late registrations allowed. -
Gateway to Space Virtual Challenge
Incl. $4.00 Fee & T-Shirt (Guaranteed Size by Jan 24th, 2026)
$54.00
This is a VIRTUAL 5K race! You will get an AWESOME medal and t-shirt as part of your virtual race packet!! - Registration in the Virtual 5K does NOT include race entry to the in-person event.
Reviews
Done this event?
First-hand event reviews from people who have been there, done that and got the breathable T-shirt, really help everyone choose their next event.
Add a reviewGateway to Space
