Strides for Africa
- Date Sat 15th August 2026
- Time 10:00AM CDT
- Location Madison, Wisconsin
- Price $15.95 - $31.40
- Races 5 races
- Distances 5km
Event summary
Get ready to lace up your running shoes for the Strides for Africa Run/Walk on Saturday, August 15, 2026, in beautiful Madison, Dane! This exciting event takes place at McPike Park and is open to participants of all ages. Choose from a variety of race distances, including a 5K run, a 5K walk, a 1.5-mile fun walk, or a kids' fun run. For those looking for a unique challenge, join a team relay that simulates the experience of collecting water in rural Africa.
Not only will you be enjoying a fun-filled day, but your participation also makes a meaningful impact. Proceeds from the event support vital clean water, education, and health projects in rural African communities, enhancing access to essential resources and improving lives. This year, participants will receive a stunning handmade Kenyan paper bead bracelet instead of a traditional T-shirt, promoting environmental sustainability and supporting local women artisans. After the race, show your race bib to enjoy a complimentary drink at the Africa Fest "Beer Tent." Don’t miss out on this opportunity to engage as a global citizen and support a great cause while having a blast!
Not only will you be enjoying a fun-filled day, but your participation also makes a meaningful impact. Proceeds from the event support vital clean water, education, and health projects in rural African communities, enhancing access to essential resources and improving lives. This year, participants will receive a stunning handmade Kenyan paper bead bracelet instead of a traditional T-shirt, promoting environmental sustainability and supporting local women artisans. After the race, show your race bib to enjoy a complimentary drink at the Africa Fest "Beer Tent." Don’t miss out on this opportunity to engage as a global citizen and support a great cause while having a blast!
Organiser's Description
STRIDES FOR AFRICA RUN/WALK AUGUST 15, 2026 | MCPIKE PARK, DOWNTOWN MADISON
Join us for the Strides for Africa Run/Walk, a family-friendly event open to all ages and held in-person at McPike Park as part of the kickoff to Africa Fest 2026. Participants can choose from a 5K run, a 5K walk, a 1.5-mile fun walk, a kids' fun run, or take part in a unique team relay that reflects the challenges of collecting water in rural Africa.
Proceeds support Strides for Africas clean water, education, and health projects in rural African communities. These initiatives contribute to improved access to water, support for youth education, and measurable community health outcomes. Locally, the event also offers participants a way to engage as global citizens through purposeful action.
THIS YEAR, INSTEAD OF T-SHIRTS, EACH PARTICIPANT WILL RECEIVE A HANDMADE KENYAN PAPER BEAD BRACELET, SUPPORTING ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND WOMEN ARTISANS WHO ARE WORKING TO HELP BUILD COMMUNITY-LED EDUCATION INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THEIR CHILDREN. IN ADDITION, PARTICIPANTS CAN SHOW THEIR RACE BIB TO REDEEM A FREE DRINK AT THE AFRICA FEST "BEER TENT" FOLLOWING THE EVENT.
Join us for the Strides for Africa Run/Walk, a family-friendly event open to all ages and held in-person at McPike Park as part of the kickoff to Africa Fest 2026. Participants can choose from a 5K run, a 5K walk, a 1.5-mile fun walk, a kids' fun run, or take part in a unique team relay that reflects the challenges of collecting water in rural Africa.
Proceeds support Strides for Africas clean water, education, and health projects in rural African communities. These initiatives contribute to improved access to water, support for youth education, and measurable community health outcomes. Locally, the event also offers participants a way to engage as global citizens through purposeful action.
THIS YEAR, INSTEAD OF T-SHIRTS, EACH PARTICIPANT WILL RECEIVE A HANDMADE KENYAN PAPER BEAD BRACELET, SUPPORTING ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND WOMEN ARTISANS WHO ARE WORKING TO HELP BUILD COMMUNITY-LED EDUCATION INFRASTRUCTURE FOR THEIR CHILDREN. IN ADDITION, PARTICIPANTS CAN SHOW THEIR RACE BIB TO REDEEM A FREE DRINK AT THE AFRICA FEST "BEER TENT" FOLLOWING THE EVENT.
Races
-
5K Run
Incl. $1.40 Fee & Kenyan Paper Bead Bracelet
Sat 15th August 2026 (10:30AM CDT)
$31.40
-
5K Walk
Incl. $1.25 Fee & Kenyan Paper Bead Bracelet
Sat 15th August 2026 (10:30AM CDT)
$26.25
-
1.5-Mile Fun Walk
Incl. $1.25 Fee & Kenyan Paper Bead Bracelet
Sat 15th August 2026 (10:30AM CDT)
$26.25
-
1.5 Mile Team Relay
Incl. $1.40 Fee & Kenyan Paper Bead Bracelet & Africa Fest Drink Voucher
Sat 15th August 2026 (10:30AM CDT)
$31.40
For those in rural Africa, the daily grind for water takes an incredible amount of effort, particularly for the women and children. The relay is not meant to be competitive but rather educational to simulate the challenges of the water gathering process that the women and children complete each day in rural Africa. The team relay will require teams to carry an empty 5-gallon Jerry Can from the start line to the filling station near Tenney Park (approximately 1 mile). Teams will then fill their plastic jerry can to their desired weight (a full can weighs approximately 50 lbs). The Jerry Cans will be equipped with 1-inch to 1.5-inch webbing (like a seatbelt) to serve as a harness. The harness will be adjustable to account for the different sizes of team members. For the relay portion, one member of the team will carry the Jerry Can at a time, while the other team members walk alongside the teammate who is carrying the Jerry Can. You can switch the Jerry Can between team members at any time. For teams deciding to fill their can to the max, it will be challenging, but doable. -
0.25 Mile - Kids Fun Run
Incl. $0.95 Fee & Kenyan Paper Bead Bracelet & Africa Fest Drink Voucher
Sat 15th August 2026 (10:00AM CDT)
$15.95
Reviews
Done this event?
First-hand event reviews from people who have been there, done that and got the breathable T-shirt, really help everyone choose their next event.
Add a reviewLocation
202 South Ingersoll Street, Madison, 53703, WI, United States
Who's In
See who else is doing this event
Maybe
Strides for Africa
