Important Information
Due to restrictions by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the United States Space Force; participation in the In-Person races is limited to US Citizens of 12 years of age and older. By registering for the in-person races, you are consenting to a federal background check.
Only Registered Participants will be granted access to the LLF Runway.
No Spectators are allowed.
Event 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:
- Thursday, March 5th, 2026 @ Running Elements
260 Daytona Blvd D-410, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
11:00 AM - 6:00 PM - Friday, March 6th, 2026 @ Hyatt Place, Cape Canaveral
9119 Astronaut Blvd, Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
1:00 PM - 6:30 PM - 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.
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.
Runner's Expo and Pre-Race Dinner
Races
Gateway to Space 5K
172 spots left. Registration ends March 1, 2026 at 9:15pm EST
Gateway to Space 10K
172 spots left. Registration ends March 1, 2026 at 5:59pm EST
Gateway to Space Virtual Challenge
172 spots left. Registration ends March 4, 2026 at 11:59pm EST
Registration will close on March 1 2026, at 11:59 PM.
There is NO In-Person, Same-Day or Late Registration for this race.
Registration Closes In:
The Gateway to Space is a USATF Certified Racecourse
5K USATF Course Certification #FL23017JK
10K USATF Course Certification #FL23016JK
Race Location
Space Florida Launch and Landing Facility
Kennedy Space Center, FL 32899 US
View Location on Map
Race Transportation
Race Transportation is provided in partnership with the Kennedy Space Center Visitors Complex and is complimentory with Race Registration.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
Space Commerce Way, Merritt Island, FL 32953
Participants will park at the KSC Visitors Complex (free of charge), proceed through security and board the Buses to the Space Florida Launch & Landing Facility.
