Around the World 5K Race/Walk

It’s almost time for the 2023 Around the World Virtual 5K Race!

Remember, the rules are super simple.

Sign up here with your city and country.
Run or walk a 5K anytime in April
Post a picture to our Facebook group
Purchase your t-shirt on Spreadshirt here. If you would prefer to make t-shirts on your own, send us a message on our Facebook page for the graphics.
If you can, make a donation to our chosen charity Mountain Seed Foundation. This foundation, created by members of our community, supports youth and refugees from Ukraine. We hope to raise $5000 with your help in 2023.
If you are a CLO or have a running group at post, please check out our team race packet here:

For more information or support for your team, please email us!

Our 2023 map shows which locations have already signed up to participate. Add your city to the location by signing up at the link above!

History

In 2015, Around the World Virtual 5k began as an opportunity for the running and walking community to come together and share a common (if virtual) running opportunity. The race was inspired by a comment by a fellow expat about the lack of fundraising opportunities, and races, that benefited the Diamond Blackfan Disorder research efforts. This expat had a daughter with the disorder and explained that not a single race raised money focused on this cause. We mobilized to create the virtual race and since it was so successful we have continued the race but we have chosen a different charity to support each year.

The “race” is not about winning or really even about running. It is about coming together as a community to share an experience, support each other, and support a common cause. Participants can run or walk anytime in April (although it doesn’t have to be April) and they are encouraged to donate to the selected charity (although they can choose their own charity). The only requirement is to post a picture to document your participation.

While “participation trophies” have been mocked, this is what we are all about. We encourage participation in whatever way works for you and we will support you, encourage you, and maybe even one of our prizes.

We encourage you to gather a team, hold a low-key event, make a donation to our selected charity (or one you choose) and then post a picture to our Facebook group so we can thank you for participation!

For more information, please email us.

Yearly Donations from participants to our selected charities:

Year	Amount	Benefiting Charity	Cities	Participants
2015	$1,421	Diamond Blackfan Anemia Foundation	22	97
2016	$2,170	AAFSW Crisis Fund	38	371
2017	$5,090	Save the Children	51	514
2018	$2,000	AAFSW Crisis Fund	50	530
2019	$5,415	Stone Soup	54	680
2020	$250	Environmental Defense Fund	37	186
2021	$2700	Micala Siler Memorial Fund	67	216
2022	$3000	Free to Run	43	323
2023		Mountain Seed Foundation

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