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 members
of the American community to show solidarity with Palestine refugees in the Gaza Strip.

Sign up for the next Gaza 5K event taking place on Saturday, May 31st in Washington DC:

DC Gaza 5K Route

DC race Day Schedule:

Saturday, May 31, 2025
7:00 am - Gaza 5K packet and fundraising prize pick-up
7:30 am - Roads close! Opening ceremony
8:00 am - Race begins!
8:45 am - Awards ceremony for top 3 finishers
9:00 am - Closing ceremony with more awards, followed by dabke dancing!
11:00 am - Event ends

Schedule subject to minor changes.

packet pick-ups

You can avoid long lines, crowding, and race day delays by picking up your packet -- your race bib, Gaza 5K shirt (if you raised $100 or more via your personal page), and other prizes in advance. Picking up early also means you get to enjoy a little extra sleep on the 31st!

Wednesday, May 28, 12-2 pm
Nabiha DC
1624 U St NW,
Washington DC, 20009 

Thursday, May 29, 12-2 pm
Bawadi Mediterranean Grill
6304 Leesburg Pike,
Falls Church VA 22044 

If you're unable to pick up your packet in advance, make sure to arrive by 7:00 am on Saturday to prevent any delays. Roads will close at 7:30 am. The race will begin PROMPTLY at 8 am.

2025 DC Gaza 5K faqs —

how everything works

  • The 2025 DC Gaza 5K is taking place Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Rock Creek Park, Picnic Grove #24, in Washington DC.

  • You can register for yourself and your family all at once using this link.

    Virtual options are also available.

  • Picnic Grove 24 is located across from the Rock Creek Park Tennis Center. The area is open and flat and has a picnic pavilion, a playground, and restroom facilities. The picnic grove shares a parking lot with the Rock Creek Park Tennis Center.

  • Route to Picnic Grove 24 or Rock Creek Tennis Center - this will take you to the parking area.

    Do not use Apple Maps as it will take you to the wrong place!

  • This picnic area shares a large parking lot with the Rock Creek Tennis Center and Carter Barron Amphitheater.

    For more information,
    please visit the park’s website.
    Parking is free. However, roads close at 7:30 am and won’t re-open until 9:30 am, so you must be on time.

  • 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.

  • To avoid delays and crowding, we strongly encourage you to pick up your packet prior to race day.

    Dates and locations to be announced.

Registration + Donations

  • You can register as an individual or as a team and set up your fundraising page through Classy! If you have any issues, please call (202) 223-3767 and we can assist you by phone.

  • Registration includes full access to the event, a race bib with your assigned number, hot coffee, breakfast foods, the chance to win fantastic fundraising prizes, and a dabke dance party following the race!

  • 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.

2025 Gaza 5K Fundraising + PRIZES

If you meet certain fundraising levels,

we offer some pretty cool perks (some restrictions apply):

  • Raise $100+ and receive a Gaza 5K shirt designed by Rasha Tabbalat

  • Raise $250+ for an UNRWA USA tote bag

  • Raise $500+ for a 2025 Gaza 5K sweatshirt

  • Raise $2,500+ for all of the above plus an Al-Ard gift box with exclusive goodies imported from Palestine

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

    Perks are subject to change based on availability.

  • $500,000 fundraising goal: We aim to raise $500,000 to employ health counselors in Gaza. The more you raise, the more we can do! Start now

    No fundraising minimums: The 2025 Gaza 5K does not have a fundraising minimum to walk or run, but fundraising is the key to our efforts and impact.

    Check out these prizes to encourage you to be at the top of your fundraising game

  • When you register, a fundraising page will automatically be created for you. Login to your page via login.classy.org and use these resources to help kickstart your fundraising.

  • Competitive awards will be given to the top female and male runners in the following age categories: 1-12, 13-19, 20-39, 40-59, and 60+.

  • The only way to earn fundraising prizes is if you’ve raised the money through your personal Gaza 5K fundraising page (i.e. not your team).

Gaza 5K FUNDRAISING Teams

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:

  1. Create your own team — choose this option when you hit the registration button.

  2. 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.

Can I make my own fundraising team?

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.

What if I have a question
that is not answered here?

For any unanswered questions, please contact
Zaina Dana, Development Officer,
at zaina@unrwausa.org.