LEGENDS NEVER DIE 5K Hosted by Madeira Beach Fire Department
When is LEGENDS NEVER DIE 5K Hosted by Madeira Beach Fire Department?
LEGENDS NEVER DIE 5K Hosted by Madeira Beach Fire Department takes place on Sunday, April 12, 2026 in Madeira Beach, FL.
What distances does LEGENDS NEVER DIE 5K Hosted by Madeira Beach Fire Department offer?
LEGENDS NEVER DIE 5K Hosted by Madeira Beach Fire Department offers 3 events: Kids Run Club - Legends Never Die 5K, LEGENDS NEVER DIE 5K hosted by Madeira Beach Fire Department, Kids Registration Under 12.
| Event | Distance | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kids Run Club - Legends Never Die 5K 50 spots left | 3.0 mi | $10.00 | Register |
| LEGENDS NEVER DIE 5K hosted by Madeira Beach Fire Department | 5.0 km | $45.00 | Register |
| Kids Registration Under 12 | 5.0 km | $0.00 | Register |
How much does LEGENDS NEVER DIE 5K Hosted by Madeira Beach Fire Department cost?
Registration for LEGENDS NEVER DIE 5K Hosted by Madeira Beach Fire Department starts at $0.00. Prices vary by event distance.
Where is LEGENDS NEVER DIE 5K Hosted by Madeira Beach Fire Department held?
LEGENDS NEVER DIE 5K Hosted by Madeira Beach Fire Department is held in Madeira Beach, FL at 15100 Gulf Boulevard.
About LEGENDS NEVER DIE 5K Hosted by Madeira Beach Fire Department
LEGENDS NEVER DIE 5K Hosted by Madeira Beach Fire Department
Beach Run/Walk . Chip Timed Race
The event and the course path is along the shoreline and in the sand.
SUNDAY, APRIL 12, 2026
RACE TIME
9:00 AM
Check-In - 7:30 am
Stretch Clinic - 8:20 am
Opening Ceremony - 8:40 am
REGISTRATION
KIDS UNDER 12 yrs old ARE FREE
Adult Registration includes a raffle ticket for opportunity to win prizes such as a hotel stay, fishing trip, entertainment tickets and more.
Early Registration (Race T-shirt Included)
June 7, 2025 - February 13, 2026
$40
Regular Registration (Race T-shirt Included)
February 14, 2026 - March 13, 2026
$45
Late Registration (NO T-Shirt)
March 14th - April 12th
$45
Race T-shirts with EARLY & REGULAR Registration ONLY & pick up at check in; limited quantity available for purchase at the race.
ENTRY Fees are NON-Refundable, no exceptions.
Race Awards - 1st, 2nd and 3rd Overall - Male & Female
WHY WE RUN
Since 2021, the Madeira Beach Fire Department has proudly hosted the Legends Never Die 5K — an event dedicated to shining a light on the invisible wounds carried by our first responders, veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families.
This race is more than just a run. It’s a movement — to raise awareness about mental health, PTSD, and suicide among those who serve and protect us. Every step we take is a tribute to the lives lost, a show of strength for those still fighting, and a reminder that no one has to battle alone.
We all have a role to play — by listening, reaching out, and breaking the silence. Talking openly about mental health reduces stigma, builds awareness, and can save lives.
On April 12, 2026 we’ll come together as a community to honor the fallen, support the survivors, and advocate for the mental health care and resources our heroes deserve. Let’s stand together — for healing, for hope, and for change.
INVISIBLE WOUNDS ARE THE HARDEST TO HEAL
WHO THIS RACE HELPS
Proceeds from this event directly benefit The Franciscan Center's First Responders Post Trauma Training Program, which provides a safe, confidential space for first responders to process critical incidents and the cumulative stress of a lifetime of service. The Center’s programs are life-changing for the Tampa Bay community and beyond.
HOW IT STARTED – HONORING EMILIO AND JIM
In 2019, a firefighter at the Madeira Beach Fire Department lost a close friend — Emilio Rivera — to suicide. Emilio’s story is one of bravery, service, and heartbreak.
Emilio joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 2009, serving in the 5th Battalion 11th Marines where he specialized in HIMARS. During his four years of service, his unit broke two military records while overseas. After returning home to Pasco County, FL, Emilio continued his commitment to service by becoming a firefighter. He graduated from the Florida State Fire College as “Top Dog,” recognized for his physical strength and dedication. Emilio went on to serve five years with Marion County Fire Rescue as a Firefighter/EMT.
He was just 29 years old when he died by suicide, leaving behind a three-year-old son and a legacy that continues to inspire this race.
Another life that shapes this event is that of Colonel James “Jim” Turner — a decorated Marine and communications leader who served both on the battlefield and at the highest levels of U.S. Military command. After more than 20 years of service, Jim retired — but like so many others, the invisible scars remained.
On December 10, 2018, Jim drove to the Bay Pines VA complex in St. Petersburg, FL. Dressed in his uniform, adorned with medals, he sat atop his military records and took his own life. Since our very first race, Jim’s wife Jenn and daughter Kaylee have been at the heart of our event — standing as fierce advocates for suicide prevention and mental health support for veterans.
LEGENDS NEVER DIE 5K is in honor of Firefighter Emilio Rivera and Marine Col. Jim Turner and many others.
By participating in the Legends Never Die 5K, you are part of a mission to turn tragedy into purpose, silence into support, and grief into lasting change.
RUN WITH US. WALK WITH US. STAND WITH US.
To learn more about the "Why" for our Legends Never Die 5K please view the media links from ABC Action News and Fox 13.
To learn more about Madeira Beach Fire Department visit our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/MadeiraBeachFD
PARKING
Paid Parking @ Archibald Beach
Free Parking - Madeira Beach City Centre Complex, 300 Municipal Drive or along Rex Place in front of Sports Complex - Both properties are in walking distance to Archibald Beach
Participants are not authorized to park in the lots of CVS, WinnDixie and other private businesses. You may face parking violations and/or be towed.
NEED HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS? SPECIAL Rate at DOUBLETREE by Hilton N. Redington Beach
Click on the link for a 10% discount! https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=NORNHDT&corporateCode=0003252998
QUESTIONS? Click button below or contact Trish Eaton via email: teaton@madeirabeachfl.gov or call 727-391-3400
HOW DO I BUILD A TEAM?
Click on "Become a Fundraiser" to begin! You will need to set up an individual fundraiser before you can join a Team
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Follow the prompts to enter information about your personal fundraiser -- this includes your name, a tagline...even your own URL.
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You may keep the default goal amount or increase it if you wish!
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Use the description we've provided or personalize it as appropriate.
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Other ways you can personalize your page is by uploading a profile photo, creating a slideshow, and sharing your personal story that inspires people to donate.
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Share your fundraising page with friends, family, and on social media to start raising money.
You'll be able to monitor your progress and thank your donors as you reach your fundraising goals right from your page!
How to Build a Fundraising Team?
First, Become a Fundraiser (see above).
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Next, "Join a Team" by searching for the team you want to join OR creating a team of your own!
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Follow the prompts to enter information about your team -- this includes a name and your team's goal!
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Customize this page like you did for your own -- add photos, videos, and a story that inspires people to donate.
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Share your team page with friends, family, and on social media to start raising money.
Monitor your progress and thank your donors as you and your team reach your fundraising goals.
Fundraising Teams are meant for participants who want to raise money while also participating in our EVENT. These teams focus on fundraising and typically have a fundraising goal that each member is encouraged to help reach. Members of a fundraising team will have first set up their own individual fundraising pages to collect donations from friends, family, and colleagues -- and all of these efforts count towards the goal of team! Aim high!
Fundraising 101
Follow these step-by-step instructions & tips and you’ll be on your way!
Step #1 -- Personalize your INDIVIDUAL fundraising page. When you selected to "Become A Fundraiser" we provided some basic info for you, but we encourage you to add your photo, a banner, and a personal story. Remember...people like to donate to other people!
Step #2 -- Consider a donation to your own page first!
Step #3 -- Share your fundraising page with your family, friends, and colleagues. You may do this by sharing your page to your social accounts, via email, or text. Make it easy for people to donate!
Once the donations start rolling in...
Tip #1 -- Thank your donors. You may send email directly from your fundraising page.
Tip #2 -- Share your journey on social media using our dedicated hashtags: #thishashtag #thathashtag
Tip #3 -- Ask for help when you need it! Our Fundraising Support Team is here for you -- contact: ______
On behalf of Madeira Beach Fire Department's Legends Never Die 5K, we thank you for the contribution of your time and energy to help us reach this year's fundraising goal. We could not do this without people like you.
PARKING
Paid Parking @ Archibald Beach
Free Parking - Madeira Beach City Centre Complex, 300 Municipal Drive or along Rex Place in front of Sports Complex - Both properties are in walking distance to Archibald Beach