Event details
+ faqs
Move for refugee mental health
at UNRWA USA’s Gaza 5K walk/run
The Gaza 5K is an annual walk/run hosted by UNRWA USA that brings together communities across the United States to support psychosocial services for Palestine refugees in Gaza. Established in 2012, the Gaza 5K has raised millions of dollars to fund these critical services through UNRWA.
All participants will have the opportunity to fundraise. Registration is free for children under the age of 2.
packet pick-ups
Skip long lines, avoid crowding, and save time on race day by picking up your packet in advance during the week of the Gaza 5K.
Your packet includes:
Race bib
Gaza 5K shirt (for participants who raised $100 or more through their personal fundraising page)
Additional fundraising perks
Packet Pickup Schedule
Packet Pickup #1: Thursday, September 10th from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at [Location TBD]
Packet Pickup #2: Friday, September 11th from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at [Location TBD]
Important Information
Participants who register after September 7 will not have their race bibs available during pre-race packet pickup. Bibs for late registrants will be available on race day only. Please plan accordingly.
The race will begin promptly at 10:00 AM. To ensure a smooth start, we strongly recommend picking up your race bib in advance.
On-site registration will still be available before the Dallas Gaza 5K. Same-day registration closes at 9:45 a.m.
Bay Area Gaza 5k
race Day Schedule:
Sunday, September 13, 2026
8:00 am - Gaza 5K packet and fundraising prize pick-up
9:30 am - Opening ceremony
10:00 am - Race begins!
10:40 am - Awards ceremony for top 3 finishers
11:00 am - Closing ceremony with more awards, followed by dabke dancing!
12 pm - Event ends
Schedule subject to minor changes.
NOTE FOR VIRTUAL REGISTRANTS:
Virtual walker/runner registration does not include access to the in person Bay Area Gaza 5K event. You will receive additional information in a separate email.
2026 Bay Area Gaza 5k Route
Our upcoming Gaza 5K will take place in San Francisco, CA on Sunday, September 13, at Lake Merced Park.
2026 Gaza 5K FAQs: How It Works
-
The next Gaza 5K will take place in San Francisco, CA on Sunday, September 13, 2026 at Lake Merced Park.
-
You can register for yourself and your family all at once using this link.
Virtual participation options are also available.
Registration is limited, and once the event sells out, registration will close.
-
The main event hub for the Bay Area Gaza 5K will be located at Lake Merced Park. This is where the following activities will take place throughout the day:
Registration
Opening ceremony
Main stage
Food vendors
Closing and awards ceremony
The 5K route (3.1 miles) will finish back at the event hub, where the main stage, food vendors, and awards ceremony will be waiting.
Be sure to check the Bay Area Gaza 5K race route mapabove for a visual representation of the course and event locations.
-
Skip long lines, avoid crowding, and save time on race day by picking up your packet in advance during the week of the Gaza 5K.
Your packet includes:
Race bib
Gaza 5K shirt (if you raised $100 or more through your personal fundraising page)
Packet Pickup locations -
Thursday 9/10: [Location TBD]
Friday 9/11: [Location TBD]
Important: Participants who register after September 7 will not have their race bibs available during pre-race packet pick-up. If you sign up after this date, your bib will be available for pick-up on race day. Please plan accordingly.
The race will begin promptly at 10:00 am. To ensure a smooth start, we strongly recommend picking up your race bib in advance.
You can still register on-site before the Bay Area Gaza 5K. On-site registration will close at 9:45 am.
-
The Bay Area Gaza 5K will take place at Lake Merced Park in San Francisco, CA. The park is centrally located and accessible by car, public transportation, and rideshare services.
Free parking is available (click here to view the Lake Merced Park parking lot on Google Maps); however, space is limited. Event signage and volunteers will be on-site to help guide you.
If you’re using public transportation or rideshare services, please plan to arrive early and allow extra time for drop-off and walking to the event area.
Additional details, including parking information and recommended drop-off locations, will be shared closer to race day.
-
Look for our emails and/or follow UNRWA USA on social media for real-time updates!
-
Storage space for personal items is not available at the park, so please leave your valuables at home.
-
No. The first 2,000 Bay Area Gaza 5K race finishers will be awarded a medal. Be sure to finish early to secure yours!
2026 Gaza 5K Fundraising + PRIZES
If you meet certain fundraising levels, we offer some pretty great perks (some restrictions apply):
Registration: Includes a timed race bib to keep as a memento.
Raise $100+: Receive a 2026 Gaza 5K shirt designed by Lena Kassicieh.
Raise $250+: Receive an exclusive Gaza 5K UNRWA USA tote bag.
Raise $500+: Receive a Gaza 5K sweatshirt.
Raise $1,000+: Receive all of the above, plus an Al-Ard gift box with exclusive goodies imported from Palestine.
Raise $2,500+: Receive a handmade tatreez piece.
Raise $5,000+: Receive all of the above, plus a beautiful olive wood dish set.
Perks are subject to change based on availability.
-
The only way to earn fundraising prizes is if you raise the money throughyour personal, individual Gaza 5K fundraising page (i.e. not your team).
-
$500,000 Bay Area Gaza 5K Fundraising Goal
We aim to raise $500,000 to support UNRWA mental health counselors in Gaza and provide critical emergency assistance. The more you raise, the greater the impact we can make—so start fundraising today!No Fundraising Minimums
There is no fundraising minimum required to walk or run in the 2026 Gaza 5K. That said, fundraising is the heart of our efforts and essential to maximizing our impact.Check out the fundraising prizes below to motivate you to take your fundraising to the next level.
-
When you register, a personal fundraising page will automatically be created for you. Click here to log in to your fundraising page and access resources to help you get started.
-
Competitive awards will be given to the top nonbinary, female, and male runners in the following age categories: 1–12, 13–19, 20–39, 40–59, and 60+.
Registration + Donations
-
-
Registration includes full access to the event, a race bib with your assigned number, hot coffee, breakfast foods, the chance to win exciting fundraising prizes, and the opportunity to earn a Gaza 5K medal if you place among the top 2,000 runners—plus a dabke dance party following the race. Join a vibrant community coming together in support of Palestine refugees and connect with others in your area who share this commitment.
-
No. Gaza 5K registration fees are not tax-deductible, however, any donations that you make to your own fundraising page may be tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
-
Of course! You can register as a virtual runner/walker and start raising funds!
You can also donate to any team or individual via the registration page.
Can I make my own
fundraising team?
YES!
As they say, two heads are better than one. This can also be the case when it comes to online fundraising. While every individual effort counts, sometimes it is best to combine forces, squad up, and become part of something bigger.
There are two different ways you can fundraise as a team:
Create your own team — choose this option when you hit the registration button.
Join a team — if a team already exists that you want to join, you can pick it up when you register.
If you choose to fundraise as an individual and forget to join or create your team, don’t worry! You will still have the option to join or create a team once you have created your personal fundraising page.
General Gaza 5K FAQs
-
A 5-kilometer (5K) course measures 3.1 miles long.
-
Yes, the race is professionally timed for all participants.
-
Yes, the 5K is open to runners and walkers alike! Bring the whole family, even your furry four-legged family members. Strollers are welcome! Unfortunately, however, Parks Department regulations do not allow participants to ride bikes on the 5K course.
-
No, volunteers are not allowed to be registered participants. If you’re interested in volunteering, apply here.
-
As this is a charitable event, NO REFUNDS will be issued for the Gaza 5K.
-
Yes. If you're registered for the race, you must communicate this to the UNRWA USA staff by email at least five (5) days prior to the race.
-
No, unfortunately, due to park rules no solicitation of any kind is allowed at the Gaza 5K.