9th Annual BRAVE Race 2026

The BRAVE RACE is hosted by The Joyful Child Foundation - In Memory of Samantha Runnion (55-0794474).

The Joyful Child Foundation is dedicated to preventing crimes against children through programs that educate, empower, and unite families and communities.

Your participation benefits The Joyful Child's Be Brave-Be Safe Empowerment Programs.

You can choose to participate virtually or join us in person at Wolverine Stadium in Aliso Viejo, CA on Sunday, February 22, 2026

Participants can walk or run a 1K, 5K, 10K. Prize money to top 3 male and female in 5k and 10k.

All registered 5K and 10K participants are eligible to receive a race shirt (guaranteed if registered by February 4th) at the start of the Race and a Joyful Child medal when the race is complete.

Virtual participants may have the shirt and medal mailed with a $10.00 shipping fee or may be picked up at no additional cost. (Please see below for details.)

If you would like to receive a shirt, please select your size and select the $10.00 shipping fee at check-out for mailing, or you may pick up at Road Runner Sports - Laguna Hills (24291 Avenida De La Carlota, Laguna Hills, CA 92653) during pick-up on Saturday, February 21, 2026 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

Adult sizes are race shirts and youth sizes are cotton Joyful Child t-shirts.

(Sizes are subject to availability and may be substituted with cotton t-shirts.)

You will automatically be entered in a raffle for a pair of running shoes (valued at $100) when you pick up your shirt at Road Runner Sports - Laguna Hills. 

Since all registration fees are a donation to The Joyful Child Foundation, there are no refunds for cancellations.

Select your distance and enjoy at your own pace. 

The Joyful Child Foundation encourages you to show your race pride in stride and post your photos, videos, and share your stories via social media using #TheJoyfulChild #BRAVERace.

Sign Up NOW!

What am I supporting?

Your participation benefits The Joyful Child Foundation - In Memory of Samantha Runnion, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to preventing crimes against children. Donations support The Joyful Child's Be Brave-Be Safe Empowerment Program for children, teens, and high-risk families.

Please visit our website at www.thejoyfulchild.org for more information.

Is this event in person or virtual?

Both! Joyful Friends may run or walk together at Aliso Niguel High School / 28000 Wolverine Way, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656 or virtually at a location of your choice!

Is the BRAVE RACE professionally timed?

YES, on site timing is provided by Finished Results. All registered participants at Wolverine Stadium will receive a bib with a chip along with their tech shirt at check-in (read below for details about virtual participation). 

What is a virtual run?

A virtual run/walk is an event that you can participate in – from anywhere. At your own pace, you can run, jog, walk, on the treadmill, on a track or along a route of your choosing. The Joyful Child Foundation encourages you show your race pride in stride and post your photos, videos, and share your stories via social media using #TheJoyfulChild #BRAVERace

When must I complete my run?

For this event you must complete your run (whatever distance you signed up for) by 11:59 pm on race day.

Is there a mobile app for this year’s virtual event? 

TBD

Is there a specific way to track our time for a virtual run? 

The virtual BRAVE Race, like most, is based on the honor system. 

How do I submit my time? 

It's not required that you submit your time, but if you would like to appear on the online leaderboard, as well as be able to access your finisher’s certificate, you will need to submit your time. You can do this by navigating to the Results Page, through the results link here, search for your name and add your time. 

How do I print my race bib? 

When you receive your Registration Confirmation...Go to the bottom and you will see “Don’t forget to check out the virtual bib for your registration! You can view it and download it here:”

How do I get my Finisher Certificate? 

From the online Results Link HERE 

How and when should I expect to receive my BRAVE Race Shirt? 

BRAVE Race shirts are guaranteed to participants who register as indicated at registration. Click here for additional details.

PACKET PICKUP

Packet pickup for t-shirt and bib will be held at Road Runner Sports 24291 Avenida De La Carlota, Laguna Hills California 92653 between 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm on Saturday, February 21st. At packet pickup you will be entered in a raffle for a pair of running shoes (value up to $100) to be announced and presented on race day.

Packet pickup for t-shirt and bib will be held at Road Runner Sports - 24291 Avenida De La Carlota, Laguna Hills California 92653 between 2 pm and 5 pm on Saturday, February 21st.

At packet pickup you will be entered in a raffle for $150 certificate toward a pair of running shoes! The winner will be announced and presented at the Race.

Please check our FAQ and email contact@thejoyfulchild.org if you have additional questions.

1K/5K/10K

Select your distance and enjoy at your own pace. You can run, jog, or walk your 1K Family Run, 5K, and 10K at the Wolverine Stadium among Joyful Friends, or join us virtually from your treadmill or along a route of your choosing on Sunday, February 22, 2026. 

Registration Fees:

10K - $40 (until 12/03/25); $55 (until 2/08/26); $65 (effective 2/09/26)

5K - $30 (until 12/03/25); $45 (until 2/08/26); $55 (effective 2/09/26)

1K - $15

Virtual 10K - $50 / Virtual 5K - $45 / Virtual 1K - $15

(Plus processing fee.)

All 5K and 10K participants registered by February 4th will receive a newly designed BRAVE Race shirt.

Download the RACE DAY CHECK-IN App for fast check-in and same-day registration

Results will be available on the Run Sign Up Results Page or on Finished Results. You can also download the Finished Results app for free. This way will be the fastest way to check real-time results on Sunday.

Virtual participants may enter their time on the BRAVE RACE RunSignUp Results Page. Click on the top right "Submit Virtual Results" button. Download and print your certificate!

The Joyful Child Foundation encourages you to show your race pride in stride and post your photos, videos, and share your stories via social media using #TheJoyfulChild #BRAVERace.

Early Packet pickup for t-shirt and bib will be held at Road Runner Sports - 24291 Avenida De La Carlota, Laguna Hills, California 92653 between 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm on Saturday, February 21, 2026. At packet pickup you will be entered in a raffle for a $100 certificate for a pair of running shoes! The winner will be announced and presented with the certificate on race day, Sunday, February 22, 2026.

Same-Day Registration & Check-In will begin at 7:30am on Sunday, February 22, 2026.

“Special new colorful ribbons will be given to the top 3 in each age category for each gender: under 7, 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15, 16-17, 18-19.  Handcrafted tiles will be given to the winner in each age category for each gender 19 and under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+. You must be present on race day to be eligible for ribbons and tiles”

For the first time, we will offer some financial incentives for top performances.

In the 5k-Top male and female $75 each, 2nd place male and female $50 and third place male and female $25

In the 10k- Top male and female $100 each, 2nd place male and female, $75 each and third place male and female $25 each

These are current Course Records- break one and get next years entry for free!!

5k

   Male-Damian Noria 17:13.6

   Female-Mia Kim 18:48.5

10k

   Male-Naoki Kasai   36:33.9

   Female-Emilene Kim   40:31.5

Would you like to be a Vendor on Race Day?  2026 Brave Race Vendor Form (google.com)

If you would like to Volunteer for the BRAVE RACE, click here 2026 Brave Race Volunteer Survey (google.com)

Click here to learn about sponsorships.

If you refer 5 participants who complete registration, you will receive $15 refund from your registration. If you refer an additional 4 participants you can receive an additional $15 off. When you receive your confirmation email, it will include a link you can send to friends with your specific referral code in it.