Join Us for the 16th Annual Strides for Africa Run/Walk
Strides for Africa’s 16th Annual Run/Walk is a family-friendly event that welcomes participants of all ages. This year’s in-person event will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at McPike Park in downtown Madison as part of the kickoff to Africa Fest 2025.
Participants can choose from a variety of race options, including a 5K run, a 5K walk, a 1.5-mile fun walk, a kids’ fun run (0.25 mile), and the signature Team Relay—an interactive experience that simulates the physical demands of collecting water in rural African communities.
Proceeds from the event support clean water and sanitation projects in underserved areas across Africa. Each registration contributes to efforts that improve health, expand educational access, and strengthen rural communities through locally led initiatives.
For participants and supporters, it’s a meaningful opportunity to connect local action with global impact.
Your Impact
Bring Water Access to Runazi Primary School – Muleba, Tanzania
This year, Strides for Africa is supporting Phase Two of a clean water and sanitation project at Runazi Primary School in Muleba District, Tanzania. Led by our community-based partner, Action for Ngono Basin Reforestation (ACT-NGONO), the effort builds on Phase One, which focused on constructing new ventilated improved pit latrines for over 1,300 students and staff.
Phase Two focuses specifically on improving clean water access by:
Installing two 5,000-liter plastic rainwater tanks
Constructing a roof guttering system with filtration features to improve collection and storage
Supporting handwashing and sanitation stations connected to the new tanks
Runazi Primary School serves a rural area that experiences recurring droughts and limited infrastructure. These water systems will provide a sustainable source of clean water for drinking, handwashing, and daily use, improving both health and learning conditions.
This initiative is part of ACT-NGONO’s broader mission to protect the environment while promoting health, education, and economic growth through community-led development.
Your Race Day Schedule
Whether you're running, walking, cheering, or volunteering, race day offers a meaningful way to take part in community and global impact.
Here's what to expect throughout the morning at McPike Park:
Now through August 10th
Online Registration is Open
Sign up online to reserve your spot in advance. This helps reduce wait times on race day and guarantees a smoother check-in experience.
9:00 am – 9:45 am
August 16th | Day-of Registration
Arrive early to check in or register on site at McPike Park. Look for the registration tent to get started.
Our online registration closes on August 10th. Missed online sign-up? You’ll still have a chance to register in person on race day
10:00 am – 10:30 am
Kids Fun Run (0.25 Mile)
A lively, kid-friendly loop designed to spark excitement and introduce young runners to the joy of community races.
10:30 am – 11:30 am
5K Run
This timed 5K run invites participants to challenge themselves on a scenic course through the park and the surrounding area.
10:30 am – 11:30 am
5K Walk
Enjoy a relaxed, untimed walk along the same route as the run — perfect for participants of all paces.
10:35 am – 11:30 am (CDT)
1.5-Mile Fun Walk
A shorter, family-friendly option that welcomes walkers of all ages. This route offers a great way to be part of the event at a comfortable pace.
10:35 am – 11:30 am
1.5-Mile Team Relay
This team event mirrors the daily challenges of water collection faced in rural Sub-Saharan Africa.
Teams of 2–4 rotate through the course, symbolizing collective effort and shared purpose. Your involvement directly supports expanded access to clean water in the communities we serve.
11:45 am
Awards & Giveaways
Head to the Main Stage at Africa Fest for recognition of race highlights and giveaways.
12:00 pm
Africa Fest Begins
Stick around for an afternoon of music, food, culture, and community celebration — all in support of sustainable change in Africa.
Join us at McPike Park
McPike Park | 202 S Ingersoll St, Madison, WI 53703
Volunteer for the Run/Walk
Strides for Africa is powered by volunteers, just like you!
If you’re interested in supporting the 2025 Strides for Africa Run/Walk, please complete the volunteer interest form.
For questions or additional information, contact us at strides4africa@yahoo.com.
Event Volunteer Meeting:
A brief volunteer meeting will be scheduled before the event—attendance is encouraged but not required. On event day, please plan to meet at the shelter in Madison’s McPike Park (202 S. Ingersoll St.) at 8:30 AM on Saturday, August 16, 2025.
