Empowering Children 5K, 1 Mile, and Beach Clean-Up
Get ready to lace up your running shoes for a cause that truly makes a difference! On September 20, 2026, the Empowering Children 5K, 1 Mile, and Beach Cleanup presented by Heal the Planet will take over the scenic shores of Hollywood Beach, starting at the beautiful Charnow Park. This event seamlessly blends fitness with environmental stewardship, inviting participants of all ages to run, walk, and contribute to the preservation of our coastline. The energy of the morning will be electric as the community gathers under the South Florida sun to celebrate our planet and push for a cleaner, greener future.
For those with a competitive spirit, this is a chip-timed event managed by Victory Sports, ensuring precise results for every participant. Whether you are sprinting for a personal best or enjoying a brisk walk along the boardwalk, your efforts will be recognized. We are proud to offer awards to the top 3 overall finishers as well as the top three in each age group category. It’s a fantastic opportunity to test your speed on a flat, fast course while supporting the vital environmental programs spearheaded by Heal the Planet.
The impact doesn’t stop at the finish line. Immediately following the race, we will transition from the pavement to the sand for a community beach cleanup. We strongly encourage all runners and spectators to stick around and participate in this "hands-on" portion of the day. By removing litter and debris from the beach, we turn our collective athletic energy into a tangible victory for marine life. It’s a powerful way to embody the mantra "Small Act. Huge Impact." and ensure Hollywood Beach remains a pristine paradise for everyone. All money raised benefits Heal The Planet, a local 501(c)3. Heal The Planet (HTP) provides free education, resources, and community programs to inspire and foster holistic wellbeing for people and the planet. HTP’s innovative environmental education program inspires a generation of leaders empowered to Heal The Planet. Filling a gap in traditional education, HTP’s flagship SEED (Sustainable, Education, Enrichment & Development) Program offers local Title 1 Broward County schools an important supplemental education program focused on nutrition, life skills, mindfulness, and environmental issues through 6-week and customized options. Our free education program also includes Young SEEDs in the Park. Combined, these programs have reached over 15,500 local children and counting. Other community programming facilitated through HTP includes monthly beach cleanups, HTP sports, and more. In 2025, we have served approximately 1,500 athletes nationwide. We have inspired more than 12,000 south Floridians through our community programming AND we have kept more than 3,300 lbs of garbage out of our oceans through monthly beach cleanup events in partnership with the City of Fort Lauderdale! Additionally, in 2020 we established our free online resource, 100+ Ways to Heal The Planet. It was utilized by over 55,000 visitors in 2025.