Kenya Connect 5K: Running/Walking for Education

Event Overview

Join us for the 2026 KC5K: Running/Walking for Education! Once again the race will be LIVE and Virtual and is a fundraiser to support Kenya Connect's work to provide children with options in rural Kenya! Here's an OVERVIEW VIDEO to learn how participating in the KC5K makes a difference!

Race Details

• Location: St. John's Episcopal Church, Ellicott City, MD
• Course: The LIVE Race will run through the beautiful Dunloggin Neighborhood.
• Participation: Participants can run or walk and strollers are welcome!
• Awards: Top three runners/walkers in all age categories will win a hand-carved medallion from Wamunyu, Kenya.

Virtual Participation

• Dates: Virtual Runners can participate anytime between 9:00 am on Saturday, March 28 and 1:00 pm on Sunday, March 29.
• Prizes: Awards for the top three places overall male/female and top winners in specified age groups.

Pet Policy

Pets are welcome to participate too. At the LIVE race they must be on a leash and the owners must keep them away from other runners/walkers. We have a special bandana for them.

Team Captain Challenge

• Recruitment: Pick one: Recruit 6 teammates + raise $500 or Recruit 20 teammates.
• Awards: Captains who meet a Challenge Goal will receive social media and race-day shoutouts.
• Prizes: A “KC5K Team Captain prize and serious bragging rights.

Team Honors

• Largest Team: Honored with KC's beekeeping program support in your team’s name.
• Top Overall Fundraiser: A library step dedicated in your honor.

Race Registration

• Premium Options: Runners can choose between a Kenya Connect short-sleeved tech shirt, a visor, or bandana.
• Registration Fees: $40 until March 6 at 11:59 pm, increasing to $45 on March 7.
• Special Pricing: Participants 18 and under pay $25: Pets are $10.

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 28 FROM 8:00-8:45 AM AT ST. JOHN'S. THE RACE IS RAIN OR SHINE AND WE DO HAVE THE ST. JOHN'S AUDITORIUM FOR PRE-RACE AND POST RACE ACTIVITIES. THANKS FOR SIGNING UP!

Community Activities

Enjoy the Kenyan Crafts Market on Race Day that will include colorful baskets, aprons, laptop sleeves, jewelry, and woodcarvings made by women in our village. There will also be post-race lite bites and beverages (beer for over 21). It’s a favorite community race!

Additional Information

SEE RACE MAP HERE