Kenya Connect 5K: Running/Walking for Education

Race Overview

Join us for the 2026 KC5K: Running/Walking for Education! Once again the race will be LIVE and Virtual!

Live Race Details

• Location: St. John's Episcopal Church, running through the beautiful Dunloggin Neighborhood.
• Participants: Runners and walkers of all ages: strollers are welcome!
• Awards: Top three runners/walkers (male/female) in each age category will win a hand-carved medallion from Wamunyu, Kenya.
• Overall Winners: Top male and female will also receive runner gift cards ($100 for first place, $50 for 2nd and 3rd place).

Virtual Participants

• Participation Window: Virtual runners can compete anytime between 9:00 am on Saturday, March 28 and 1:00 pm on Sunday, March 29.
• Awards: Prizes will be awarded for the top three overall male/female and top winners in specific age categories (5-11, 11-17, 18-30, 31-50, 51-70, 70+).

Pets

• Welcome: Pets are welcome to participate but must be on a leash during the LIVE race.
• Owner Responsibility: Owners must keep pets away from other participants.
• Special Bandana: Each pet will receive a special bandana.

Team Prizes and Fundraising

• Team Competitions: Prizes for the largest team and the top overall fundraiser (individual or team).
• Tree Planting: Each member of the largest team will have a tree planted in their honor in Kenya.
• Fundraising Impact: Supports 18,000 students and 500 teachers for empowered education.

Race Premiums

• Choices: Participants can choose a Kenya Connect short-sleeved tech shirt or a visor.
• Registration Deadline: Participants must register by March 1 to guarantee a premium.

Registration Information

• Cost: $40 until March 6 at 11:59 pm: increases to $45 on March 7.
• Discount: Participants 18 and under race cost is $25.
• Pet Registration: $10, which includes a bandana.

Pump Challenge

• Challenge Details: Crossfit PCR in Ellicott City offers the Pump-Challenge and Run.
• Bench Press: Runners will bench press a percent of their body weight for max repetitions prior to the race.
• Time Reduction: Each repetition will deduct 10 seconds off the runners' 5k time.
• Separate Placement: Placement and prizes for the Pump-Challenge will be separate from individual race scores.

Packet Pick-Up

Packet pick-up is on Friday, March 27 from 4:00-7:00 PM at sponsor FEET FIRST Columbia or on race day, March 29 from 8:00-8:45 AM at St. John's. The race is rain or shine, and we have the St. John's auditorium for pre-race and post-race activities. Thanks for signing up!

Race Map

See Race Map Here