Race Info

Simultaneous

The Run For Rwanda isn’t just in Colorado Springs. We run together with our friends in Kibali, Rwanda at the very same time! We coordinate via live video feed to start both races simultaneously on opposite sides of the world.

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.  Or choose the supporter registration and show up to cheer and just be with Rwanda wherever you are at!

5K Course:
The course is fairly flat and follows a route entirely within Cottonwood Creek Park. The running surface is about 50% maintained dirt paths with the remainder on paved walkways (the path on the south side of the creek was recently paved). The finish is on the park’s grass soccer fields. The course is good for spectators, as participants can see runners for several hundred meters at the start and the finish.

Course Map:

Course Map

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. A footbridge has been added, making the spillway crossing easy to negotiate.  Please, no bikes, scooters or other independent rolling mechanisms to carry people on the course.

1K  Children’s Fun Run

Children under 10 are invited to participate in a free fun run after the final finisher of the 5K race (approximately 9 a.m.), which follows a course encircling the park’s central soccer fields and which remains entirely in view of spectators throughout the run.  There will also be a kid’s obstacle course on-site and a finish line dash for our littlest runners, under age 5.

Barefoot Division

Most runners in Rwanda run without shoes. To show solidarity with our friends in Kibali, the Colorado Springs race includes a barefoot runner division. Experienced barefoot runners are encouraged to register in the barefoot division and compete against others running the entire race without shoes or foot covering of any kind.

Water Carry Challenge

Doing a 5k is quite an accomplishment for many of us who have easy access to our daily necessities.  However, doing a 5k is a daily experience for many, especially women and children, in Rwanda as they go to retrieve water for their family from a water source.  The Water Carry Challenge is a way to experience fetching 5 gallons of water for your family over the Run For Rwanda course.  It is a team event (2 people) although you may try to complete it with a single person, if you choose.  Your team can carry the water however you choose, however, no rolling/wheeled devices allowed…you have to earn it! As a reference, 5 gallons of water weighs about 42 pounds.

Team Division

Awards will be presented in the following categories:

  • Top male and female finishers.
  • Top male and female barefoot runners.
  • Top team in the Water Carry Challenge.

All of our awards are handmade in Africa and purchased in Rwanda. 

Sponsorships

Gather sponsorships to help the community of Kibali even more.  Use this Fund Raising Brochure to tell people about the race.  Also visit “How to Help” for more information.

Post-race Breakfast Potluck

Bring a blanket, chairs, and an item to share at our post-race breakfast potluck! Let’s celebrate by gathering together with our Rwandan friends for a feast!

See the Registration page for more information.

Stick around after the race to listen to African music, learn more about Rwanda and helping the needy there, and bring a breakfast item to share in our potluck!

Questions? Contact racedirector@runforrwanda.org

Race Map

women smiling in KibaliThanks for running, walking, strolling, cheering with the community of Kibali!