World Race for Hope

World Race for Hope 5k for a Healthier & More Sustainable Future

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. 

World Race for Hope Troy 5k

Chip timing is back! After a free, no frills race the last few years, with the transfer of this race to Waste-Free Dayton from Free To Run Foundation, we decided to make it a formal event again this year by having official chip timing by Speedy Feet. The start and finish will be at the Gazebo on the river levee bike path by Hobart Arena, with the course going out and back on the bike path along the river.

Early Registration, November 1st - December 22nd: $25

Normal Registration, December 23rd - January 1: $30

Starting location: The Gazebo on the Great Miami River levee (across the river from downtown Troy). Park in the Hobart Arena parking lot (255 Adams St., Troy, OH 45373).

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. 

• Bring your own reusable water bottle.
• We are not offering shirts. 92 million tons of clothing end up in landfills each year, and if you participate in races frequently, you already have enough shirts that you don't wear. We are looking at some other kind of giveaway for the event, something more sustainable and useful.
• 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