Strides for Africa

Strides for Africa

Strides for Africa takes place on August 15, 2026 at McPike Park in downtown Madison as part of the kickoff to Africa Fest 2026. The in-person event is organized as a combination of runs, walks, a kids course, and a team relay that illustrates water-collection challenges in rural Africa.

Event distances include:

• 5K Run - 3.1 miles
• 5K Walk - 3.1 miles
• 1.5-Mile Fun Walk - 1.5 miles
• 1.5 Mile Team Relay - 1.5 miles
• 0.25 Mile Kids Fun Run - 0.25 miles

The 1.5 Mile Team Relay is presented as an educational simulation of the water gathering process. Teams carry an empty 5-gallon jerry can from the start to a filling station near Tenney Park, a distance of about one mile, then fill the can to a chosen weight (a full can weighs approximately 50 pounds). Each jerry can is fitted with 1- to 1.5-inch webbing to serve as an adjustable harness. During the relay one team member carries the can while others walk alongside; teams may switch carriers at any time.

Proceeds support Strides for Africa’s clean water, education, and health projects in rural African communities. Instead of event t-shirts, participants receive a handmade Kenyan paper bead bracelet, and race bibs may be shown to redeem a free drink at the Africa Fest Beer Tent after the event. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

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