Sunday, September 13, 2026
Lake Merced Park · San Francisco, CA

register

Fundraising · Race Day · Volunteer · FAQs · Sponsors · Spread the word

Ready to run, walk,

or move with us?

The Bay Area Gaza 5K is back in Lake Merced on Sunday, September 13!

Run, walk, fundraise, and come together in community to support UNRWA mental health counselors providing critical care to children in Gaza. Together, we’re working toward a goal of raising $500,000 by race day to support this critical work.

be a part of history
relive the 2023 Bay Area Gaza 5K

Spread the word!

The more people who know, the more impact we can make. Help spread the word and bring your community along for the Bay Area Gaza 5K. Download the graphics, posters, and flyers below, and use our sample captions to share on social media and inspire others to join you in showing up for children in Gaza.

  • Not sure what to post? Copy one of the captions below, personalize it, and invite your community to join you.

    Option 1

    Bay Area, let’s move for mental health! 🩵 Join me on Sunday, September 13 at Lake Merced Park for @unrwausa’s #Gaza5K and help support UNRWA mental health counselors caring for children in Gaza.

    Walk, run, fundraise, or join virtually from anywhere.

    Register: gaza5k.org/bay-area

    Option 2

    I’m showing up for children in Gaza. Will you join me?

    This September, I’m joining @unrwausa’s Bay Area #Gaza5K to help raise funds for mental health care for children in Gaza.

    Join me Sunday, September 13 at Lake Merced Park—or virtually from anywhere.

    Register: gaza5k.org/bay-area

  • Making a video? Keep it simple and make it personal.

    “I’m joining the Bay Area Gaza 5K because [WHY YOU’RE PARTICIPATING]. On September 13, I’m [WALKING/RUNNING/FUNDRAISING] to help support UNRWA mental health counselors providing critical care to children in Gaza. My goal is to raise $[GOAL], and I’d love your support. Join me at Lake Merced or virtually from anywhere at gaza5k.org/bay-area Join @unrwausa in showing Palestine refugees that americans care.

  • Every share can help bring someone new into the Gaza 5K community.

    • Make it personal: Share why you’re participating.

    • Send your link: Text your registration or fundraising page to friends, family, and group chats.

    • Share your progress: Celebrate fundraising milestones and encourage others to help you reach your goal.

    • Tag us: Use @unrwausa and #Gaza5K so we can see and amplify your posts.

    • Share on race day: Post photos and videos and bring your community along with you.

  • Download the Bay Area Gaza 5K flyer below and share it throughout your community. Posting it at local businesses, restaurants, and community spaces helps spread the word and build support.

    Download + print flyer

  • Post about the Bay Area Gaza 5K on your social media platforms to help spread the word. Sharing the event link, a graphic, or your personal reason for participating helps reach new audiences.

    Download Graphics

  • Reach out to your friends, family, and apply to volunteer for the Bay Area Gaza 5K as a group. Group involvement can amplify fundraising efforts and strengthen solidarity.

    Apply to volunteer

  • Send the Bay Area  Gaza 5K registration link to friends and family along with a short note about why this event matters to you.

    registration link

  • Share the Bay Area Gaza 5K registration link with your email list. Adding it to your email signature or group chats helps spread the word organically and encourages participation or donations.

    registration link

Fundraise & Unlock

Bay Area Gaza 5K Perks

Registration is just the beginning!

Every dollar you raise helps support UNRWA mental health counselors providing critical care to children in Gaza.
As you reach fundraising milestones, you’ll unlock exclusive Bay Area Gaza 5K perks along the way.

  • Raise $100+ via your personal fundraising page
    (includes the cost of registration!)
    for an official 2026 Bay Area Gaza 5K shirt.

  • Raise $250+ via your personal fundraising page (beyond the registration fee) receive an exclusive Gaza 5K UNRWA USA tote bag and bandana.

  • Raise $500+ via your personal fundraising page
    (beyond the cost of registration)
    for a Gaza 5K sweatshirt.

  • Raise $1,000+ for all of the above plus an Al-Ard gift box
    with exclusive goodies imported from Palestine.

  • Raise $2,500+ for all of the above
    plus a handmade Tatreez piece.

  • Raise $5,000+ for all of the perks plus
    a beautiful Olive Wood dish set

  • Raise $10+ via your personal fundraising page
    (includes the cost of registration!)
    for an official Gaza 5K hat.

Fundraising perks are subject to change based on availability.

start fundraising

Join the Bay Area

Gaza 5K Volunteer Team

You don't have to run or walk the Gaza 5K to make a difference. Sometimes the most meaningful role is helping others cross the finish line! Help bring the Bay Area Gaza 5K to life by volunteering with us on Sunday, September 13. Whether you’re welcoming participants, handing out water, capturing photos, or supporting event logistics, there’s a role for you.

Apply to volunteer

Volunteer Roles

  • Help direct attendee arrivals and keep morning lines organized.

  • Assist with breakfast set-up, manage the coffee/tea station, replenish supplies, and maintain cleanliness (including waste/recycling).

  • Distribute awards and prizes to top fundraisers.

  • Hand out race bibs and bags—perfect for detail-oriented volunteers!

  • Set up the booth, engage participants, and encourage social media sharing to keep the energy high.

  • Prepare and distribute water along the race route.

  • Support activities that raise awareness about Palestine refugees and UNRWA programs.

  • Capture event highlights, volunteer moments, and race-day energy for social media and future promotions.

Plan Your Race Day

Sunday, September 13, 2026 · Lake Merced Park · San Francisco, CA

Skip the Race Day Lines!

Stop by during the Gaza 5k Week to pick up:

  • Your race bib (for in person participants)

  • The fundraising perks you’ve earned so far from fundraising.

Packet pick-up

**Participants who register after September 7 will need to pick up their race bib on race day.

Bay Area Gaza 5K FAQs

Everything you need to know before joining us at Lake Merced.

location + getting there

  • The 2026 Bay Area Gaza 5K will take place at Lake Merced Park in San Francisco. The main event hub will be home to registration and packet pickup, the main stage, food, and the opening and closing ceremonies. The 5K course will finish back at the main event area.

  • Lake Merced Park is accessible by car, public transportation, bike, and rideshare. We recommend planning your route in advance and allowing extra time for traffic, parking, drop-off, and walking to the main event area.

  • Yes! Free parking is available at Lake Merced, but space is limited. We recommend arriving early or using public transportation or rideshare when possible. Event signage and volunteers will help direct participants on race day. San Francisco Recreation and Parks also confirms that parking at the Lake Merced picnic area is limited.

  • Yes, the park and event areas are fully accessible and wheelchair-friendly. Accessible parking and restrooms are also available on-site.

packet pickup + race day

  • Registration includes full access to the event and a timed race bib with your assigned number for in-person participants. Participants can also enjoy complimentary coffee and breakfast, unlock exclusive fundraising perks, and earn a Gaza 5K medal if they are among the first 100 finishers. Stick around after the race for awards, community, and dabke dancing!

  • Stop by during the Gaza 5k Week to pick up:

    **Participants who register after September 7 will need to pick up their race bib on race day.

    • We recommend arriving early to give yourself plenty of time to park, check in, pick up your packet if needed, and enjoy the event before the race.

      • 8:00 a.m. — Packet & fundraising perk pickup

      • 9:30 a.m. — Opening ceremony

      • 10:00 a.m. — Race begins

      • 10:40 a.m. — Awards ceremony

      • 11:00 a.m. — Live musical performance by MC Abdul& dabke

      • Noon — Event concludes

    • Schedule subject to minor changes.

  • Storage for personal belongings will not be available at Lake Merced. We recommend bringing only what you need for race day and leaving valuables and expensive or important personal belongings at home.

  • Come prepared with comfortable walking or running shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and anything you may need throughout the morning. If you picked up your packet in advance, don’t forget your race bib! We recommend bringing only essential personal belongings and leaving valuables at home.

event day policies

    • For accessibility, there is good news: Lake Merced has undergone ADA improvements, including accessible paths and upgraded ADA parking.

    • The Bay Area Gaza 5K is a family-friendly and dog friendly event open to all ages and abilities. Walkers, runners, wheelchair users, and families with strollers are welcome to participate.

  • The Bay Area Gaza 5K is scheduled to take place rain or shine. In the event of severe weather or conditions that may affect participant safety, updates will be shared with registered participants by email and through UNRWA USA's social media channels.

  • Yes! Portable restrooms will be available on-site for participants, including wheelchair-accessible units.

  • Yes! Complimentary breakfast, coffee, and water will be available for participants on race day. Breakfast options will include items such as bagels, granola bars, fruit, and other light refreshments to help fuel you for the Gaza 5K.

updates + help

  • Keep an eye on your email and follow UNRWA USA on social media for important event updates leading up to and on race day.

  • Have any further questions about the Bay Area Gaza 5K? We’re happy to help! Email us at info@unrwausa.org and a member of our team will get back to you.

Have questions about registration, fundraising, teams, virtual participation, refunds, or other Gaza 5K policies?

View our General Gaza 5K FAQs

Thank you to our

Bay Area Gaza 5K sponsors!

The Bay Area Gaza 5K is made possible with the support of organizations and partners who help bring our community together.

2026 Bay Area_Premier Sponsor_SoubhiAlarian.png
2026 Bay Area_Diamond Sponsor_Mazra.png
2026 Bay Area_Diamond Sponsor_Bi Ritem.png
2026 Bay Area_Gold Sponsor_The Baghdadi Family.png
2026 Bay Area_Gold Sponsor_Gallery Habibi.png
2026 Bay Area_Silver Sponsor_Dish Dash.png
2026 Bay Area_Silver Sponsor_Lotus.png
2026 Bay Area_Silver Sponsor_The Michael Law Firm.png
2026 Bay Area_Shawarmaji.png

Every cause

needs its champions.

Will you be one for the children of Gaza?

By sponsoring the 2026 Bay Area Gaza 5K, you help make our signature walk/run possible. Your support helps cover event costs—including promotion and a mental health awareness campaign—so participant fundraising can go directly toward UNRWA mental health programs for Palestine refugee children in Gaza.

Join us on Sunday, September 13 and help make every step count.

Interested in partnering with us?
Complete the form and our team will be in touch.

We'll See You at Lake Merced Sunday, September 13, 2026 · San Francisco, CA
Run. Walk. Fundraise. Come together.

Register for the Bay Area Gaza 5K