Sunday, October 11, 2026
Prospect Park · Brooklyn, NY
Fundraising · Race Day · Volunteer · FAQs · Sponsors
Ready to Run, Walk, or Move With Us?
The NYC Gaza 5K is back in Prospect Park on Sunday, October 11!
Run, walk, fundraise, and come together in community to support UNRWA mental health counselors providing critical care to children in Gaza. In 2025, more than 5,000 participants came together for our largest Gaza 5K ever! This year, we're coming together again with a goal of raising $500,000 by race day.
Fundraise & Unlock
NYC 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 and as you reach fundraising milestones, you'll unlock exclusive NYC Gaza 5K perks along the way.
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Raise $10+ via your personal fundraising page
(includes the cost of registration!)
for an official Gaza 5K hat. -
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Raise $100+ via your personal fundraising page
(includes the cost of registration!)
for an official 2026 NYC Gaza 5K shirt and bandana. -
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Raise $250+ via your personal fundraising page (beyond the registration fee) receive an exclusive Gaza 5K UNRWA USA tote bag and bandana.
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Raise $500+ via your personal fundraising page
(beyond the cost of registration)
for a Gaza 5K sweatshirt. -
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Raise $1,000+ for all of the above plus an Al-Ard gift box
with exclusive goodies imported from Palestine. -
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Raise $2,500+ for all of the above
plus a handmade Tatreez piece. -
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Raise $5,000+ for all of the perks plus
a beautiful Olive Wood dish set
Fundraising perks are subject to change based on availability.
Join the NYC 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 NYC Gaza 5K to life by volunteering with us on Sunday, October 11. Whether you're welcoming participants, handing out water, capturing photos, or supporting event logistics, there's a role for you. Volunteers receive an UNRWA USA t-shirt, breakfast, event access and our endless gratitude.
Volunteer Roles
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Help direct attendee arrivals and keep morning lines organized.
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Assist with breakfast set-up, manage the coffee/tea station, replenish supplies, and maintain cleanliness (including waste/recycling).
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Distribute awards and prizes to top fundraisers.
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Hand out race bibs and bags—perfect for detail-oriented volunteers!
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Set up the booth, engage participants, and encourage social media sharing to keep the energy high.
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Prepare and distribute water along the race route.
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Support activities that raise awareness about Palestine refugees and UNRWA programs.
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Capture event highlights, volunteer moments, and race-day energy for social media and future promotions.
Plan Your Race Day
Sunday, October 11, 2026 Prospect Park · Brooklyn, NY
Packet pick-up
Skip the Race Day Lines!
NYC Gaza 5K Packet Pick-Up Locations & Times
Stop by one of our NYC Gaza 5K packet pick-up locations during race week to collect:
Your race bib (for in-person participants)
Your fundraising perks earned so far!
Choose the location and time that work best for you.
We can't wait to see you!
Packet Pick-Up #1: Thursday, October 8 | 6–8 p.m. 📍 Ayat Ditmas Park
Packet Pick-Up #2: Friday, October 9 | 12–2 p.m. 📍 Ayat Bushwick
Packet Pick-Up #3: Friday, October 9 | 6–8 p.m. 📍 Ayat Astoria
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.
Thank You to Our
NYC Gaza 5K Sponsors
The NYC Gaza 5K is made possible with the support of organizations and partners who help bring our community together.
Every cause
needs its champions.
Will you be one for the children of Gaza?
By sponsoring the 2026 NYC 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, October 11 and help make every step count.
Interested in partnering with us?
Complete the form and our team will be in touch.
NYC Gaza 5K FAQs
Everything you need to know!
location + getting there
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
Packet Pick-Up #1: Thursday, October 8 | 6–8 p.m. 📍 Ayat Ditmas Park
Packet Pick-Up #2: Friday, October 9 | 12–2 p.m. 📍 Ayat Bushwick Packet
Pick-Up #3: Friday, October 9 | 6–8 p.m. 📍 Ayat Astoria
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.
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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.
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Limited storage will be available for personal belongings on race day. We recommend bringing only what you need and leaving valuables, expensive items, and other important personal belongings at home. Additional details about race-day storage will be shared closer to the event.
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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
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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.
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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.
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Yes! Portable restrooms will be available on-site for participants, including wheelchair-accessible units.
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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
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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.
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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 registration, fundraising, teams, virtual participation, refunds, or other Gaza 5K policies?
We'll See You in Prospect Park Sunday,
October 11, 2026 · Brooklyn, NY
Run. Walk. Fundraise. Come together.