Run for a Reason

If you’re a competitive runner, a casual walker, or you just want to support a worthy cause, the Run for Rwanda 5K is the race for you. You can test your late-summer fitness on our mostly flat 5K course or just enjoy Cottonwood Creek’s tree-lined trails and stunning view of the Front Range.

New 5K Course:
Due to construction work in on the creek basin on the park's west end (which because of this summer's heavy rains was not completed by the scheduled deadline), we have had to modify our course from last year's route. The modified route is of comparable difficulty to last year's (mostly flat, with one significant incline and two fairly short but relatively steep downhill segments). The running surface is divided fairly evenly between dirt paths and paved walkways. The finish, staffed by the Pikes Peak Road Runners, like last year is on the park's grass soccer fields. The course is excellent for spectators, as participants pass the start finish area several times during the race.

Jog strollers are welcome, although we ask that those running or walking with them start near the back of the pack to avoid blocking the trail for faster runners.

Walkers should also start at the back of the pack and stay to the left side of the trail to allow faster moving participants pass on their right.

Click here for a larger Course map PDF.

1K Children's Fun Run

Children under 10 are invited to participate in a free fun run at 9:30 a.m., which follows a course encircling the park's central soccer fields and which remains entirely in view of spectators throughout the run.

Race Origins

A group from IAC visited Rwanda in 2007, met the people and saw their needs firsthand. This event and the programs it benefits have been planned in close cooperation with Rwandan community leaders. In its inaugural year, nearly 400 runners in Colorado and 100 in Kibali raised over $18,000 for Kibali.

Race Format

The race includes individual, barefoot runner and team-challenge divisions. Teams may be formed by schools, businesses, clubs, churches, or even groups of friends (max 8 per team; scores are determined by first three finishers’ times).

Awards will be presented in the following categories:

Top male and female finishers.
Top barefoot runner.
Top three finishers in each of seven age groups.
Top team in each of the open co-ed and high school boys’ and girls’ divisions(awards go to scoring team members only).
Highest individual sponsorship total.
Highest team sponsorship total.
Winners of random drawings in which all registered race participants are entered.

Entry Fees

Entry fee is $20 ($30 on race day)
For every $25 in sponsorships raised, the fee decreases $5
It’s free with $100 in sponsorships
Entry fee includes a Run for Rwanda T-shirt.
Entry fee for ages 17 and under is $5 ($15 with T-shirt)
Raise at least $150 and get a Run for Rwanda hat.
Children's fun run is free ($10 with T-shirt)
Regular 100% cotton race T-shirt may be replaced with a performance-fiber shirt for an additional $15.

Packet pick-up for preregistered runners/walkers will be on July 30-31 at Fitness Together, 5903 Delmonico Drive, Colorado Springs (exit I-25 at the Rockrimmon Blvd. Exit; go west through first traffic light to Delmonico Blvd; go right/north. Fitness Together is in the first strip shopping center on the right).

Race-day registration and packet pick-up opens at 6:30 AM.
Race start time is 8:00 AM on August 1st.
Children's fun run starts at 9:30 AM.

Stick around after the race to listen to African music, purchase authentic African handicrafts, learn more about Rwanda and helping the needy there, and to visit sponsors' booths.

Questions? Contact steve@runforrwanda.org

Race Map
The Run for Rwanda starting line will be on the Cottonwood Creek Park soccer fields. Parking lots are in the park off Montarbor Dr. and by the Recreation Center, marked with the P.

Thanks for helping the community of Kibali!

Click here to print out a flier to post at your office, gym, or local coffee shop!