Kenya Connect 5K: Running/Walking for Education
- Date Sat 28th March 2026 - Sun 29th March 2026
- Time 9:00AM EDT
- Location Ellicott City, Maryland
- Price $11.60 - $43.40
- Races 5 races
- Distances 5km
Event summary
Get ready for a fantastic weekend of fun and fitness at the Kenya Connect 5K: Running/Walking for Education, taking place on March 28-29, 2026, in scenic Ellicott City, Howard! This exciting event supports Kenya Connect's mission to provide educational opportunities for children in rural Kenya. Participants can choose to join the live race, starting at St. John's Episcopal Church and winding through the picturesque Dunloggin Neighborhood, or opt for the virtual race that allows you to run or walk at your own pace anytime during the designated weekend.
Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just looking to enjoy a leisurely stroll, the Kenya Connect 5K welcomes everyone, including pets on leashes! Compete for awesome prizes, including hand-carved medallions from Wamunyu, Kenya, and runner gift cards for top finishers in various age categories. Don't miss the chance to register by March 1 to secure your premium race shirt, visor, or bandana! With a vibrant Kenyan crafts market, delicious post-race snacks, and a community spirit that can’t be matched, this event is a beloved local favorite. Join us for a meaningful and energizing experience that makes a difference!
Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just looking to enjoy a leisurely stroll, the Kenya Connect 5K welcomes everyone, including pets on leashes! Compete for awesome prizes, including hand-carved medallions from Wamunyu, Kenya, and runner gift cards for top finishers in various age categories. Don't miss the chance to register by March 1 to secure your premium race shirt, visor, or bandana! With a vibrant Kenyan crafts market, delicious post-race snacks, and a community spirit that can’t be matched, this event is a beloved local favorite. Join us for a meaningful and energizing experience that makes a difference!
Organiser's Description
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 [https://www.kenyaconnect.org] TO LEARN HOW PARTICIPATING IN THE KC5K MAKES A DIFFERENCE!
The LIVE Race will start from St. John's Episcopal Church and run through the beautiful Dunloggin Neighborhood. Participants can run or walk and strollers are welcome! The Top three runners/walkers (male/female) in all age categories (5-12, 13-18, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+) WILL WIN A HAND-CARVED MEDALLION FROM WAMUNYU, KENYA and the top male/female overall will win a hand carved medallion and runner gift cards ($100 for first place and $50 for 2nd and 3rd place).
VIRTUAL RUNNERS will be invited to participate anytime between 9:00 am on Saturday, March 28 and 1:00pm on Sunday, March 29. Prizes will be awarded for the top three places overall male/female and the top winner male/female in the 5-11, 11-17, 18-30, 31-50, 51-70, 70+
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.
JOIN THE TEAM CAPTAIN CHALLENGE! Teams grow the race and teams get recognized. Here's the details: CAPTAIN CHALLENGE (pick one): Recruit 6 teammates + raise $500 or Recruit 20 teammates. ANY CAPTAIN WHO MEETS A CHALLENGE GOAL WILL RECEIVE: a shoutout from Kenya Connect (social and race-day), A KC5K Team Captain prize and serious bragging rights.
IN ADDITION, THE LARGEST TEAM will be honored with KC's beekeeping program support in your teams name (honey press + items dedicated to the team) and the TOP OVERALL FUNDRAISER (team or individual): a library step dedicated in your honor
RUNNERS CAN CHOOSE BETWEEN THREE PREMIUMS: a Kenya Connect short-sleeved tech shirt, a visor or bandana. Participants must register by March 1 in order to be guaranteed a premium.
REGISTRATION COST IS $40 UNTIL MARCH 6 AT 11:59 PM. THE PRICE WILL INCREASE ON MARCH 7 TO $45. PARTICIPANTS 18 AND UNDER RACE COST IS $25. PETS ARE $10 which includes a bandana.
PACKET PICK-UP IS ON FRIDAY, MARCH 27 FROM 4:00-7:00 PM AT SPONSOR FEET FIRST [https://www.feetfirstsports.net]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!
ENJOY THE KENYAN CRAFTS MARKET ON RACE DAY THAT WILL INCLUDE COLORFUL BASKETS, APRONS, LAPTOP SLEEVES AND OTHER ITEMS MADE BY WOMEN IN OUR VILLAGE, JEWELRY AND WOODCARVINGS. THERE WILL ALSO BE POST RACE LITE BITES AND BEVERAGES (BEER FOR OVER 21). IT'S A FAVORITE COMMUNITY RACE!
SEE RACE MAP HERE [https://www.kenyaconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Kenya-Connect-5k-Course-2022.pdf]
The LIVE Race will start from St. John's Episcopal Church and run through the beautiful Dunloggin Neighborhood. Participants can run or walk and strollers are welcome! The Top three runners/walkers (male/female) in all age categories (5-12, 13-18, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+) WILL WIN A HAND-CARVED MEDALLION FROM WAMUNYU, KENYA and the top male/female overall will win a hand carved medallion and runner gift cards ($100 for first place and $50 for 2nd and 3rd place).
VIRTUAL RUNNERS will be invited to participate anytime between 9:00 am on Saturday, March 28 and 1:00pm on Sunday, March 29. Prizes will be awarded for the top three places overall male/female and the top winner male/female in the 5-11, 11-17, 18-30, 31-50, 51-70, 70+
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.
JOIN THE TEAM CAPTAIN CHALLENGE! Teams grow the race and teams get recognized. Here's the details: CAPTAIN CHALLENGE (pick one): Recruit 6 teammates + raise $500 or Recruit 20 teammates. ANY CAPTAIN WHO MEETS A CHALLENGE GOAL WILL RECEIVE: a shoutout from Kenya Connect (social and race-day), A KC5K Team Captain prize and serious bragging rights.
IN ADDITION, THE LARGEST TEAM will be honored with KC's beekeeping program support in your teams name (honey press + items dedicated to the team) and the TOP OVERALL FUNDRAISER (team or individual): a library step dedicated in your honor
RUNNERS CAN CHOOSE BETWEEN THREE PREMIUMS: a Kenya Connect short-sleeved tech shirt, a visor or bandana. Participants must register by March 1 in order to be guaranteed a premium.
REGISTRATION COST IS $40 UNTIL MARCH 6 AT 11:59 PM. THE PRICE WILL INCREASE ON MARCH 7 TO $45. PARTICIPANTS 18 AND UNDER RACE COST IS $25. PETS ARE $10 which includes a bandana.
PACKET PICK-UP IS ON FRIDAY, MARCH 27 FROM 4:00-7:00 PM AT SPONSOR FEET FIRST [https://www.feetfirstsports.net]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!
ENJOY THE KENYAN CRAFTS MARKET ON RACE DAY THAT WILL INCLUDE COLORFUL BASKETS, APRONS, LAPTOP SLEEVES AND OTHER ITEMS MADE BY WOMEN IN OUR VILLAGE, JEWELRY AND WOODCARVINGS. THERE WILL ALSO BE POST RACE LITE BITES AND BEVERAGES (BEER FOR OVER 21). IT'S A FAVORITE COMMUNITY RACE!
SEE RACE MAP HERE [https://www.kenyaconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Kenya-Connect-5k-Course-2022.pdf]
Races
-
KC5K Run/Walk 2026
Incl. $3.40 Fee & KC5K Short Sleeved Tech T-Shirt or Visor
Sat 28th March 2026 (9:00AM EDT)
$43.40
-
YOUTH KC5K Run/Walk (18 and Under)
Incl. $2.50 Fee & KC5K Short Sleeved T-Shirt or Visor
Sat 28th March 2026 (9:00AM EDT)
$27.50
Youth receive a reduced entrance fee. -
Virtual KC5K: Run/Walk
Incl. $3.40 Fee & KC5K Short Sleeved T-Shirt or Visor
$43.40
Join us from ANYWHERE in the world for this Fun Virtual 5K! -
YOUTH Virtual KC5K: Run/Walk
Incl. $2.50 Fee & KC5K Short Sleeved T-Shirt or Visor
$27.50
Join us from ANYWHERE in the world for this Fun Virtual 5K! Youth receive a reduced entrance fee. -
KC5K Pet Participant
Incl. $1.60 Fee & Bandana
Sat 28th March 2026 (9:00AM EDT)
$11.60
Dogs/cats must be on a leash or in a stroller.
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St. John's Episcopal Church, 9120 Frederick Road, Ellicott City, 21042, MD, United States
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