FAQs

NYC Gaza 5K FAQs

 Everything you need to know!

location + getting there

  • The 2026 NYC Gaza 5K will take place at Nethermead Lawn in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, which will serve as the main event hub for packet pickup, the main stage, and race-day activities. Please note that the NYC Gaza 5K course is not a full loop. The starting line is approximately a half-mile walk from Nethermead Lawn, while the finish line is located back at the lawn. Participants will walk together from the main event area to the starting line before the race. Follow event signage throughout the park to help guide you. Click here to view the 2026 NYC Gaza 5K route.

  • Prospect Park is easily accessible by subway, bus, bike, and rideshare. Because Nethermead Lawn is located inside the park, please plan for some walking from your park entrance to the event area. Nearby subway options include the F/G trains at 15 St–Prospect Park and the B/Q/S trains at Prospect Park. We recommend using public transportation when possible and allowing extra time to walk to Nethermead Lawn before the opening ceremony. Be sure to check current MTA service and directions before heading to the event.

  • There is no participant parking inside Prospect Park, and street parking in the surrounding neighborhoods can be limited. We strongly recommend taking public transportation, biking, walking, or using rideshare when possible. Prospect Park's drives are closed to private and unauthorized vehicles.

  • 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, for in-person participants, a timed race bib with your assigned number. Participants can also enjoy complimentary coffee, breakfast, and water, unlock exclusive Gaza 5K fundraising perks, and have the opportunity to earn a Gaza 5K finisher medal, while supplies last. After the race, stick around for a dabke dance party and celebrate alongside a vibrant community coming together in support of Palestine refugees.

  • NYC Gaza 5K Packet Pick-Up Locations & Times

    Skip the race-day lines by picking up your packet early during NYC Gaza 5K week!

    Stop by one of our three packet pick-up locations to collect your race bib (for in-person participants) and any fundraising perks you've earned so far!

    Choose the location and time that work best for you.

    Can't make it to an early packet pick-up? No worries! Race-day packet pick-up and fundraising perk collection will begin at 7 a.m. on Sunday, October 11, at Nethermead Lawn in Prospect Park, Brooklyn.

  • We recommend arriving early to give yourself plenty of time to check in, pick up your packet, and make your way to Nethermead Lawn. Packet pickup begins at 7:00 a.m., the opening ceremony begins at 8:30 a.m., and the race starts at 9:00 a.m. The NYC Gaza 5K is UNRWA USA’s largest Gaza 5K, with thousands of participants expected on race day, so please allow extra time for lines and check-in. The starting line is approximately a half-mile walk from the main stage area, so we recommend beginning your walk to the starting line no later than 8:45 a.m.

  • Gear check will be located near the stage. Please only bring what will fit inside an 18" x 24" bag, we will not be able to store large bags or items. Please do not pack loose valuables like phones, wallets, or keys.

    Attach your provided tag to the bag's drawstrings and hold onto your receipt ticket. Show your receipt ticket to the stationed volunteer to retrieve your bag.

  • Come prepared with comfortable walking or running shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and anything you may need throughout the morning. Complimentary food and drinks will be available on-site for participants, but we also recommend bringing a reusable water bottle. Please bring only essential personal belongings and leave valuables at home. If you picked up your race packet in advance, don’t forget your race bib! Most importantly, bring your Gaza 5K spirit and get ready for a morning of movement and community.

event day policies

  • Absolutely! The NYC Gaza 5K is a family-friendly event open to all ages and abilities. Walkers, runners, wheelchair users, and families with strollers are all welcome to participate. Dogs are welcome, too! We want everyone in our community to feel welcome and be part of the Gaza 5K.

  • The NYC 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's social media channels for important event updates leading up to and on race day.

  • Have any further questions about the NYC 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 registering or participating?
Find answers to some of our most frequently asked questions below.

Registration & Participation

  • Visit the registration page for the Gaza 5K you’d like to join and complete the online registration form. You can register yourself and additional participants during the registration process. Virtual registration is also available for those who can’t attend in person.

  • Absolutely! Children of all ages are welcome at the Gaza 5K, and children ages two and under can register for free!

  • Yes! If you can’t join us in person, you can register as a virtual participant and take part from wherever you are. Virtual participants can also create a personal fundraising page and raise funds in support of the Gaza 5K.

  • Registration includes access to your selected Gaza 5K and, for in-person participants, a timed race bib with your assigned number. Additional race-day offerings vary by event. Visit your city’s Gaza 5K page for details about food, medals, entertainment, and other event-specific offerings.

  • After registering, you’ll receive a registration confirmation and access to your personal fundraising page, where you can set a fundraising goal, personalize your page, and begin sharing it with friends, family, and your community. Keep an eye on your email as race day approaches.

  • Absolutely! The Gaza 5K is a family-friendly event open to all ages and abilities. Runners, walkers, wheelchair users, families with strollers, and children of all ages are welcome to participate. Dogs are welcome, too! Whether you run, walk, roll, or stroll, we want everyone in our community to feel welcome and be part of the Gaza 5K.

  • Absolutely! The Gaza 5K is open to runners and walkers alike. You don’t need to be an experienced runner to participate—come move with us at your own pace.

  • A 5-kilometer (5K) course is 3.1 miles.

  • Yes. Gaza 5K races are professionally timed for in-person participants.

  • No. Race-day volunteers cannot also participate as registered runners or walkers. If you’d rather volunteer, visit the volunteer page for your Gaza 5K to apply.

  • No. Gaza 5K registration fees are not tax-deductible. However, donations made to your personal fundraising page may be tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.

About Your Impact

  • Funds raised through the Gaza 5K support UNRWA programs serving Palestine refugees, including critical mental health care for children in Gaza. Your fundraising helps UNRWA mental health counselors provide essential support to children coping with trauma.

  • No. There is no fundraising minimum required to walk or run in a Gaza 5K. However, fundraising is at the heart of the event and helps maximize the impact we can make together in support of Palestine refugees.

  • Absolutely! You don’t have to register to support the Gaza 5K. You can make a donation directly or support an individual participant or team through their fundraising page.

Fundraising

Fundraising is at the heart of the Gaza 5K.
Rally your friends, family, and community to help make an even greater impact for Palestine refugees.

  • When you register for a Gaza 5K, a personal fundraising page will automatically be created for you. Log in to personalize your page, set your goal, track donations, and access resources to help you get started.

  • Yes! You can either create your own fundraising team or join an existing team when you register. If you initially register as an individual, you can still create or join a team later through your personal fundraising page.

  • Fundraising perks are earned by raising funds through your personal Gaza 5K fundraising page. Fundraising levels and available perks vary by event, so visit your city’s Gaza 5K page to see the current perks and fundraising milestones.

  • Competitive awards are given to the top nonbinary, female, and male runners across designated age categories. Awards and categories may vary by event, so visit your city’s Gaza 5K page for current race-day award information.

Gaza 5K Policies

Find answers to common questions about

registration changes and event policies.

  • No. Because the Gaza 5K is a charitable fundraising event, registration fees are nonrefundable.

  • Yes. If you need to transfer your registration to someone else, please contact UNRWA USA at least five days before your Gaza 5K so our team can assist with the transfer.

  • No. Due to event and park regulations, outside organizations may not distribute flyers, pamphlets, or other promotional materials at the Gaza 5K.

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