the 17th annual hcBa 5k prO BOnO river run: turning StrideS intO Service
5K Pro Bono River Run Committee Chairs: JudgeAlissaEllison & JudgeDarrenFarfante – ThirteenthJudicialCircuitCourt
The 2026 Annual HCBA 5k Pro Bono River Run is right around the corner. This year’ s race is Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 10:00 a. m. The race route begins at Water Works Park and traces the Tampa Riverwalk, promising a beautiful morning with scenic views shared with friends, family, and colleagues. The idea is simple: lace up, show up, and turn strides into service.
This annual race allows you to make a difference by supporting pro bono services within our community. The mission of the River Run is to encourage HCBA members to pledge and perform pro bono hours throughout the year. The results of the River Run have made a meaningful difference in our community. Since the inception of the 5k Pro Bono River Run, our runners have delivered over 28,974 hours of pro bono service to our community. Last year alone, the 5k Pro Bono River Run resulted in 2,239 pledged hours.
Our goal is to exceed last year’ s pledged pro bono hours. We can’ t reach that goal without each of you pledging and performing pro bono hours. In furtherance of the HCBA’ s mission to encourage pro bono service, we will again offer a reduced registration fee of $ 25 for every runner who pledges at least 25 hours of pro bono service. Every step helps raise pro bono hours for
those that need legal help, but are unable to afford it. This is your time to make an impact.
The event is family friendly and open to all ages and calibers of runners and walkers. The race is chip-timed and awards will be presented at the Judicial Food Festival, which immediately follows the race. The Judicial Food Festival is free of charge to HCBA members and their families and is always a fan favorite. Enjoy delicious food and an opportunity to mingle with colleagues and members of the judiciary. Past proven performers of pro bono hours will also be celebrated at the Judicial Food Festival and recognized for their service.
Registration is now live! Use the QR Code below to secure your spot early. The River Run sold out the past two years in a row, so do not miss your chance to participate in this annual event. Your registration fee includes a T-shirt and finisher medal— and of course, time well spent with members of the judiciary and other members of the HCBA. If you are not interested in running or walking, you can still participate in the River Run in a meaningful way by volunteering your time to
Sign up now to join us on february 28th at the 5k pro Bono river run! assist on race day. If you are interested in volunteering for the event and cheering on your fellow HCBA members, please use the volunteer QR code to register as a volunteer.
This is a run where every mile promises something bigger than a medal. Every mile raises awareness. Every mile raises hope. On behalf of the HCBA, we thank you in advance for participating in the 17th Annual Pro Bono River Run and for answering this call to service. Please use the QR code or visit www. hillsbar. com for additional information and a link to the registration page. Let’ s turn February 28, 2026 into a ripple that will keep moving through the community for the rest of the year. n
Authors: Judge Alissa Ellison & Judge Darren Farfante – Thirteenth Judicial Circuit Court
Race Registration
Volunteer Registration
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