Run & Walk for Children

March 27th & 28th @ Ephram White Park

RACE DETAILS

The German American Run & Walk for Children is FEC's longest-running fundraising event and is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026! This event features a half marathon, 5K run, 5K fun walk and a FREE Kids One Mile Glow Run with proceeds directly benefiting FEC's child abuse prevention programs. 2026 marks the event’s 30th Anniversary, and we’re celebrating in style by throwin’ it back to the 90s with all your favorite songs, movies, and of course, the iconic green SLIME!

Awards

Half Marathon and 5K Run participants are eligible for awards.

There will not be a formal awards ceremony. Please check the Bluegrass Timing tent for the official results. Winners will be announced periodically throughout the morning.

The following overall awards will be given per event:

Top Male/Female
Male/Female Master (40-49)
Male/Female Grand Master (50-59)
Male/Female Senior Grand Master (60+)

Age category awards will also be awarded for 1st-3rd place.

SWAG

All registrations include a long-sleeve race shirt, finisher's medal, and Pasta Party meal ticket.

Half Marathon and 5K Run participants will receive a dri-fit, moisture wicking SPORT-TEK shirt. 5K Walk participants will receive a poly/cotton blend shirt with the option to upgrade to the SPORT-TEK for $10.

Finisher's medals will be event-specific.

Pasta Party tickets will be included in your race packet. Additional tickets may be purchased for $5 the evening of the event.

Volunteer

Volunteer timeframe will depend on the assigned task.

Large events like this are impossible without the support of dedicated volunteers! This is a great opportunity for students to earn community service hours.

Friday, March 27th: 4:30-7:30 PM

Registration/Packet Pick-Up
Buffet Line Servers
Kids Race Course Support

Saturday, March 28th: 6-11 AM

Registration/Packet Pick-Up*
Course Support
Water Stations
Finish Line

*Ends at 8 AM.

Volunteer Sign-Up

RACE KICK-OFF

Kids One Mile SLIME Run

Friday, March 27, 2026

7 PM @ Ephram White Park

Calling all kids ages 12 and under! Join us for the One-Mile SLIME Run on Friday, March 27th, as part of our race kick-off festivities. The fun begins just after sunset at 7 PM, when the course lights up for a glowing, slime-filled adventure! Don't worry, grown-ups. The slime is OPTIONAL.

Register Online

Registration is FREE, and the first 200 participants to sign up will receive a race shirt and a finisher’s medal. Don’t miss out on the glow-tastic fun!

Pasta Party

Friday, March 27th

5-7 PM @ Ephram White Gymnasium

Fuel up for race day at our Pasta Party the night before the big event! Enjoy a carb-loading dinner with fellow runners and walkers as we celebrate the start of race weekend. Each Half Marathon, 5K Run, and 5K Walk participant receives one complimentary meal ticket. Additional tickets may be purchased for $5 at the door or during registration.

Family Matters Expo

Friday, March 27th

5-7 PM @ Ephram White Gymnasium

This Expo is part of the pre-race festivities and takes place the Friday evening before the race from 5-7 PM along side the Pasta Party and Kids One Mile Glow Run. The Expo is free to attend and will feature health and wellness vendors as well as family/child-centered organizations from the community. We will have activities, a DJ and door prizes and more!

Become A Vendor

Online Vendor Form

THE RUN & WALK FOR CHILDREN TRADITIONALLY RAISES OVER $50,000 TO SUPPORT WEE CARE CHILDCARE CENTER.

RACE AMBASSADORS

As a brand new initiative to celebrate the Run & Walk for Children's 30th Anniversary, FEC is accepting application for Race Ambassadors! Race Ambassadors will be comprised of a group of runners and walkers from our community to generate excitement in the region for the event as well as FEC's mission and the life-changing impact of early intervention. The focus for our Ambassadors will be to drive registrations, volunteerism, and donations to help make 2026 our biggest year yet!

The application deadline is December 15, 2025. Selections will be made by FEC's Race Committee and announced at the start of the new year. Those selected will receive a complimentary entry into the race category of their choice, a 30th Anniversary windbreaker pullover, recognition on FEC and race webpages and social media platforms.

College Fitness Influencer

Individuals age 18-25 enrolled in higher education are eligible.

Application deadline is December 15th.

Role: Champion the race on campus and mobilize young adults.

Key Actions:

Partner with student organizations, athletic teams, or clubs to form race teams.
Share registration information and FEC mission stories through social media.
Host or attend one promotional event to promote the race.

Goal: Recruit 20+ participants.

Apply Today

Youth Ambassador

Students in grades 6-8 are eligible.

Application deadline is December 15th.

Role: Encourage classmates and families to sign up for the race.

Key Actions:

Promote the race through school announcements, posters, or social media (with parent/school approval).
Recruit a family or school team.
Participate in race day and share a “Why I Run for Children” message.

Goal: Recruit at least 10 participants or one school team.

Apply Today

2026 EVENT SPONSORS

Sponsorship dollars make fundraising events like this possible and are a great way to be involved in FEC's mission to keep children safe in our community. Sponsorship options range from $7,500 to $250.

Contact Director of Development, Jennifer Bryant to learn more.