Rebecca Sparks, a Brevard County native, was inducted into the Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame on October 12, 2023. The event took place at the Brevard County Convention Center in Cocoa. Sparks, 42, has competed in over 50 marathons and half-marathons across the state since 2008. She holds the record for the most consecutive years finishing the Melbourne Marathon, with 12 straight completions from 2011 to 2022.
Sparks grew up in Rockledge and began running competitively in high school. She graduated from West Orange High School in 2002 and later earned a degree in exercise science from the University of Central Florida. Her career includes multiple wins at the Florida Track and Field Championships in the 10,000-meter event.
"Running has always been my escape," Sparks said during the induction ceremony. "This honor means more than I can put into words. It’s about the people who supported me along the way." She currently coaches youth runners at the Titusville Track Club and volunteers at the Brevard Public Library’s fitness programs.
The Hall of Fame committee cited Sparks’ dedication to community service and her role in inspiring younger athletes. She has led charity runs for the American Cancer Society and raised over $150,000 for local hospitals. Her induction ceremony featured a video montage of her career highlights, including a 2019 victory at the Walt Disney World Marathon.
Sparks plans to continue competing in races through 2025. She also hopes to expand her coaching program to include middle school students in the Cocoa area. The Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame, established in 1998, has inducted 127 athletes and teams from Brevard County.