VOLUME 26 | ISSUE 7 | FEBRUARY 17, 2025
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, operated by Delaware North for NASA on Florida’s Space Coast, on Jan. 17 held its eighth annual Space Race, benefiting the United Way of Brevard County.
This year’s race saw a record-breaking 1,500 participants and raised more than $100,000, including matching funds from Delaware North.
“The Space Race has become a beloved tradition for local residents and space enthusiasts,” said Therrin Protze, chief operating officer at the visitor complex. “It gives participants a new perspective on the experiences and artifacts we have at the visitor complex.”
The 3K (1.86 miles) course took participants through the visitor complex, offering views of the historic Rocket Garden, the full-sized booster stack at the entrance of Space Shuttle Atlantis® and the Mercury 7 mural on Heroes & Legends. Participants celebrated their achievements with their guests at a family-friendly party after the race in the Rocket Garden.
The Space Race is one example of the visitor complex supporting local nonprofit organizations.
Throughout the year, it implements several initiatives such as Salute to Brevard, an annual event offering discounted admission for Brevard County residents while supporting local nonprofits; partnerships with organizations such as Make-A-Wish to create bucket-list experiences; and ticket donations to Florida schools, churches, charities and other organizations.
In the last year, Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and its guests have donated 9,000 pounds of food to the Sharing Centers in Central Florida, and employees have donated more than $180,000 to local causes.
“Supporting our local community is at the heart of everything we do,” Protze said. “The Space Race showcases our dedication, as an organization, to giving back to our community, and we’re thrilled with this year’s incredible turnout.”