We are so excited to be able to hold this year's 5K Run/Walk in person! As this is the 10th annual version of the race, we want to make this year's event bigger and better than ever. We'll gather at Lapham Peak between 8 and 9am and the race will kick off at 9am. This year has been difficult for everyone, particularly those living in developing countries where communities have struggled to sustain their already fragile livelihoods. Proceeds from this race will help the Kipsongo community rebuild from the challenges it's faced over the past year and a half.

We will also have jewelry and homeware items made by the women in Kipsongo Slum available for purchase, an auction, face painting, and other fun activities for children to participate in. All proceeds from this event go directly to The Kipsongo Project.

We can't wait to see everyone in person in October!

For anyone new to the event, here’s some background info:

The Kipsongo Project 5K Run/Walk is an annual event benefiting The Kipsongo Project, a 501 c3 non-profit organization based in Kipsongo Slum in Kenya. The Project aims to improve the lives of those living in Kipsongo Slum by equipping community members with the tools they need to earn an income and contribute positively to society. The Project funds various programs including children's nutrition and education programs, a micro-finance program, health programs, and more.

The Project was started 10 years ago by Krystina Finn and Lindsey Casagrande who were living in Kenya at the time. This 5K race, started by Krystina, was one of the first fundraisers held for the Project. Shortly afterwards, Krystina was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer and passed away in December of 2014 after a long and courageous battle. This race is a way to honor Krystina's legacy and to carry on her dream of helping the women and children in Kipsongo Slum.

Funds raised from this event will help fund the Project's current initiatives including:

• COVID-19 Relief – Maintaining the 35 handwashing stations we set up throughout Kipsongo, sewing and distributing face masks, and providing money for food to families in Kipsongo
• Children's Education – primary, secondary, and college students
• Adults' Education – computer classes, seamstress classes
• Microfinance – small business establishment and development
• Solar Power Irrigation – allows farmers to grow crops during dry seasons, thereby increasing income
• Dairy Cow and Poultry projects
• Children's Nutrition Program – provides three nutritious meals a day to children enrolled in our program
• Preventive Health – distribution of water filters, bed nets, and providing health insurance to all employees
• Curative Health – helping finance unexpected medical expenses for the Kipsongo community
• Demonstration Garden – teaching the Kipsongo community about bio-intensive farming techniques