Events
Place
Madeira Beach, FL US 33708
Description
Important Update: Registration Cap of 500 Participants
As of 4/12/2025 - Due to the rapid and exciting growth in race participants, registration for the Legends Never Die 5K is now at a cap of 500. We’ve surpassed our expectations, and while we’re thrilled by the incredible response, it’s important to us that every runner has the best experience possible. Thank you for your amazing support — we can’t wait to see you at the starting line!
LEGENDS NEVER DIE 5K Hosted by Madeira Beach Fire Department
Beach Run/Walk . Chip Timed Race
RACE DATE
SUNDAY, APRIL 13, 2025
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)
January 20, 2025
$40
Regular Registration
January 21 – March 31
$40
Late Registration
April 1 - 13
$45 $40
Race T-shirts with EARLY 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 THIS RACE?
Since 2021, Madeira Beach Fire Department has hosted Legends Never Die 5K. Our mission for this event is to bring awareness to mental health, PTSD and suicide in first responders, veterans, active military personnel and their families.
We all have a role to play in listening, connecting and reaching out to those who may be struggling with challenges. By talking about mental health and suicide, it not only helps reduce stigma and increase awareness, but it also has the potential to save a life.
Join us on April 13, 2025 as we honor those that have lost the battle to traumatic stress, and show support for those who are currently battling and those who have survived the battle. We will stand together to advocate for education, resources and treatment for mental health for first responders and military/veterans.
INVISIBLE WOUNDS ARE THE HARDEST TO HEAL
Proceeds from the race will be donated to The Franciscan Center's First Responders Post Trauma Training Program. The Franciscan Center provides life-changing programs to the Tampa Bay community and beyond. The First Responders Post Trauma Training creates a safe, confidential environment for individuals to work through their most critical incidents and process the cumulative stress of risking their lives throughout their careers.
How the idea for this race started. In 2019, one of Madeira Beach Fire Department Firefighters lost his friend to suicide. His name, Emilio Rivera. Emilio joined the United States Marine Corps in 2009 and was assigned to artillery in the 5th battalion 11th Marines unit where he specialized in HIMARS. After four honorable years of service, Emilio returned to his family in Pasco County, Fl. While serving Emilio and his battalion/unit broke two military records while overseas. After a few short months after his discharge, Emilio had the urge to continue his service. Emilio attended the Florida State Fire College and received the “Top Dog” reward which is earned by having the overall best physical shape and dedication among his classmates. After fire academy, he was hired on by Marion County Fire Rescue, he served 5 years as a Firefighter/EMT. The Madeira Beach Firefighter worked with Emilio and his brother Gary for several years in Marion County before his position with MBFD. Emilio was 29 years young, he left behind his 3 year-old son.
Colonel James “Jim” Turner dedicated a lifetime of service, over 20 years, to his nation at a time when we needed men of his caliber the most. Jim served both as a boots-on-the ground Marine in tactical wartime combat environments, and at the highest levels of Military service as the Deputy Director of Communications for all of U.S. Central Command. Jim was a loving father, husband, son, brother, friend. On December 10th 2018, retired Marine Col. Jim Turner put on his dress uniform and medals and drove to the Bay Pines Department of Veterans Affairs complex in St. Petersburg FL . He got out of his truck, sat down on top of his military records and took his own life with a rifle. Since our first official race, Jim's daughter Kaylee and wife Jenn have been our guests of honor and part of our opening ceremonies. The Turner family are big advocates for soldier suicide prevention.
LEGENDS NEVER DIE 5K is in honor of Firefighter Emilio Rivera and Marine Col. Jim Turner and many others.
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
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
