Welcome Runners and Walkers!
Our next race will be held in April of 2024! Please follow us on our Facebook page for information and updates. Facebook page link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aroundtheworld5k
Remember, the rules are super simple.
- Sign up here with your city and country. (Link coming in 2024)
- 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.
- 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 | $4143 | Mountain Seed Foundation | 65 | 640 |
Around the World 5K Race/Walk 