Gateway to Space

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:

• Thursday, March 19th, 2026 @ Running Elements
  260 Daytona Blvd D-410, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
  11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• Friday, March 20th, 2026 @ Hyatt Place, Cape Canaveral
  9119 Astronaut Blvd, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
  1:00 PM - 6:30 PM
• Saturday, March 21st, 2026 @ Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
  6:00 AM - 7:00 AM

Race Day:

Saturday, March 21, 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.
6:00 AM: First Bus(es) to Launch and Landing Facility depart (Note: The first couple buses will contain race staff and volunteers, you may be asked to wait until they have departed before being allowed to board a bus)
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 30, 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 another year.

If you've registered for the event a fundraising profile was created for you.
You can find it by clicking on your profile: 

Scroll to Fundraising and locate the Gateway to Space event and click on your name: 

Here is where you can edit your profile and connect your fundraiser to Facebook: 

Confirm your fundraiser is connected to Facebook: 

Your Facebook Fundraiser will look like this:

Competitive?! You can view TOP INDIVIDUAL FUNDRAISERS here:

Need to update your Race Registration? Click the PDF below for instructions.

Updates can include:

• Participant Information
• Review Waivers
• Changing Shirt Sizes (up to allowed date)
• Add-Ons (shipping for Virtual Races)
• Change Races (In-person to Virtual or changes in Race distance; 5K, 10K)
• Gift a Race to Someone (signup and transfer the race as a Gift)
• Teams
• Fundraisers
• Result Notifications

A virtual race is designed to be 'raced' from ANY LOCATION at ANY TIME and support the American Cancer Society!  You can run, jog or walk through streets, parks, or trails in your neighborhood/community or even on your treadmill. Map out your 5K or 10K route and that will be your course. Get out during the event time frame and participate in your race. Choose a safe course, socially distance properly as the current regulations dictate, and have some fun!  Upon completion of your virtual 5K or 10K, don't forget to submit your virtual results here by the end of Race Day:  Gateway to Space Virtual Results.  To view, download, and print your digital race bib, follow these instructions:  Digital Virtual 5K Race Bib.

Sponsorship opportunities available - contact Michelle.Oesterle@cancer.org

In partnership with None to Run, this training guide is being provided free of charge to all participants. 

Runners can also download the app and use code 'SPACE' for a one-month free trial.

Download on the App Store || Get it on Google Play

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.

Hotels

TownePlace Suites Titusville Kennedy Space Center
4815 Helen Hauser Blvd, Titusville
Beginning at $169/night

Hyatt Place Titusville/Kennedy Space Center
6299 Riverfront Center Blvd, Titusville
Beginning at $159/night

Travel Services

Need help booking travel?

Reach out to Cheryl Sullivan with 1901 Mainstreet Travel for all your travel needs related to the Gateway to Space 5K/10K. Cheryl has been an active volunteer with Gateway for quite some time and is offering her services to help you make the most of your Gateway weekend! cheryl@1901mainstreettravel.com

Cheryl will be donating a portion of her commissions from all Gateway Travel packages booked back to the ACS Gateway to Space 5K/10K to continue her support of our mission!

10K USATF Course Certification #FL23016JK

Click here for the 10K certification

5K USATF Course Certification #FL23017JK

Click here for the 5K certification