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

register

Fundraising · Race Day · Volunteer · FAQs · Sponsors

Ready to Run, Walk, or Move With Us?

TheBay 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

Fundraise & Unlock

Bay Area Gaza 5K Perks

Registration is just the beginning!

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

Packet pick-up

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.

Locations coming soon!

  • Thursday, September 10 · 6:00–8:00 p.m. — Location TBD

  • Friday, September 11 · 2:00–4:00 p.m. — Location TBD

**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 600  finishers. Stick around after the race for awards, community, and dabke dancing!

    • Skip the race-day lines by picking up your packet in advance during Gaza 5K week.

    • Packet pickup is currently scheduled for:

      • Thursday, September 10, 6:00–8:00 p.m.

      • Friday, September 11, 2:00–4:00 p.m.

      • Locations will be announced soon. Participants who register after September 7 will need to pick up their 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.

Become a sponsor!

Partner with UNRWA USA and help make the 2026 Bay Area Gaza 5K possible.

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