Join us for the 8th Race for Refugees!
Race for Refugees began in 2017 by community member Heather Heuwe. Since then, the Race for Refugees community has come together to celebrate refugee and immigrant neighbors while raising critical funds that support first-touch services through the International Institute of St. Louis.We know refugees and immigrants are more than just an asset to our community. They are our friends, neighbors, coworkers, classmates, and loved ones. Their stories, talents, and hard work strengthen our neighborhoods, helping St. Louis and our region become a more vibrant, beautiful, and prosperous place for everyone to call home.
About the International Institute
Established in 1919, the Institute has resettled refugees from Ukraine, Vietnam, Bosnia, Sudan, Congo, and many other countries. These individuals have gone on to become key pillars of our community, starting businesses, revitalizing neighborhoods, and enriching our city with their unique traditions and cultures.
How the Institute Helps
The International Institute supports new arrivals by offering holistic services like:
- Education
- Job Placement
- Economic development
- Cultural Orientation
- Housing
Whether you're running or walking (in person or virtually), join us in celebrating the rich multiculturalism that our new neighbors bring to our community. Be a part of our family-friendly event (bring those dogs & strollers!) and help create a more welcoming community for ALL!
Team Registration:
Gather your friends, colleagues, or community members and participate in the Race for Refugees as a team! Gather a team of 5 or more individuals and save $5 per registrant!
During registration, participants have the option to choose between a R4R7 t-shirt, or upgrade to a R4R hooded sweatshirt! *Hoodies are only available while supplies last. **Shirt cannot be guaranteed if ordered after March 31**
Follow us on Instagram @race_for_refugees for latest info and exclusive merch releases!
Online registration closes at 11:59pm on April 17th,
*Choose our chip-timed 5K or untimed 1 mile fun run.
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Packet Pickup Information
Pre-race Packet Pickup
Packets will be available before race day at Running Niche:
📅 April 16: 🕒 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
📅 April 17: 🕒 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
📍 Location: Running Niche, 1601 Tower Grove Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110
🏁 Race Day Packet Pickup
📅 Date: Saturday, April 18th
🕒 Time: 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM
📍 Location: Sons of Rest Pavilion, Tower Grove Park (East Gate entrance off Grand Ave)
Awards Info
Award Categories
Awards will be presented to the top finishers in the following categories:
- Overall Male & Female Champions
- Male & Female, Ages 18 & Under
- Male & Female, Ages 20-29
- Male & Female, Ages 30-39
- Male & Female, Ages 40-49
- Male & Female, Ages 50-59
- Male & Female, Ages 60+
- Largest Team Award
Registration fees
Prices are inclusive of mandatory charges, items, and fees
5K
Price changes in 1 day 1 hour-
Timed 5K Run/Walk
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$34.99
$30 plus processing fees
Jan 15 – Mar 15 -
Register for 5K$40.49
$35 plus processing fees
Now registering Mar 16 – Apr 4 -
$45.99
$40 plus processing fees
Apr 5 – Apr 18
-
5K Youth (ages 12 & under)
Price changes in 1 day 1 hour-
Timed 5K run/walk. Youth pricing.
-
$18.49
$15 plus processing fees
Jan 15 – Mar 15 -
Register for 5K Youth (ages 12 & under)$18.49
$15 plus processing fees
Now registering Mar 16 – Apr 4 -
$18.49
$15 plus processing fees
Apr 5 – Apr 18
-
1 Mile
Price changes in 1 day 1 hour-
Untimed 1 mile run/walk
-
$23.99
$20 plus processing fees
Jan 15 – Mar 15 -
Register for 1 Mile$23.99
$20 plus processing fees
Now registering Mar 16 – Apr 4 -
$23.99
$20 plus processing fees
Apr 5 – Apr 18
-
5k Virtual
Price changes in 13 days 1 hour-
Complete a 5K anywhere, anytime - in your neighborhood, park, or on a treadmill. Every step supports refugee and immigrant families in our community.
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Register for 5k Virtual$34.99
$30 plus processing fees
Now registering Jan 15 – Apr 16
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Sponsor A Refugee Runner
If you aren't able to attend the race, you can support someone else who would love to participate in the race! Purchase a race entry that will allow a refugee student from the International Institute to participate at no cost. During checkout, select "Myself" and enter your own information.
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Register for Sponsor A Refugee Runner$18.49
$15 plus processing fees
Jan 15 - Apr 18
Contact information
- Event contact
- Samson Hillary
- Phone
- (314) 930-2887
