World Race for Hope

🏃‍♂️ World Race for Hope 5k Overview

Waste-Free Dayton presents the 19th Annual World Race for Hope 5k, which takes place on New Year's Day in person, and throughout January 2026 virtually, to raise awareness of living more sustainably and caring for our community. There are two registration options, the in-person 5k in Troy, Ohio on January 1st, and a virtual race that you can do anywhere, anytime during the month of January.

📍 Race Details

• Date: January 1, 2026
• Location: The Gazebo on the Great Miami River levee (255 Adams St., Troy, OH 45373)
• Registration Fees:
• Early Registration: November 1st - December 22nd: $25
• Normal Registration: December 23rd - January 1: $30
• Timing: Chip timing by Speedy Feet

♻️ Our Zero-Waste Initiative

Consistent with Waste-Free Dayton's mission, we are striving to make this race zero waste or as close as possible.

• Reusable Items: Bring your own reusable water bottle.
• No T-Shirts: We are not offering shirts to minimize landfill waste. We are exploring more sustainable giveaways.
• Food Waste: We will compost any food waste from the post-race treats (e.g., banana peels and other fruit scraps).

🎁 Giveaways

TBD

🌍 Virtual Race for Hope

If you don't reside in the Dayton area, or you would rather support the cause by running wherever you are at, inside on a treadmill or track or outside on your own schedule, you can select the free Virtual 5k option. You will complete your virtual 5k anytime during the month of January. We encourage you to share the race with your friends and family, and even post a picture during or after your virtual race on social media and upload your photos on this site. Tag Waste-Free Dayton on Facebook and/or Instagram.

🔗 More Information

For further details, visit the race page: World Race for Hope Troy.