Foster5K + Kids Dash

The 10th Annual Foster5K + Kids Dash

Run for Hope. Stand for Change.

The 10th Annual Foster5K celebrates a decade of community impact. Amidst a critical funding crisis, your participation in our 5K ensures that we can continue providing advocates for foster youth who have experienced trauma. On Sunday, May 17, 2026, we gather at Martial Cottle Park to turn steps into hope. Race proceeds support Child Advocates of Silicon Valley (CASV) and its Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Program, dedicated to providing everlasting impact on our community's most vulnerable youth.

Ways to Move:

5K Run/Walk: A chip-timed race for all ages and abilities at Martial Cottle Park.

Kids Dash: Featuring a "Big Kids Dash" (ages 6–10) and a "Little Kids Dash" (ages 5 and under).  All Dashers get a goodie bag at the finish line!
 

Whether you sprint, jog, or skip, you are running for their future. Join us and stand for change!

All proceeds benefit Child Advocates of Silicon Valley, an independent nonprofit serving our community's most vulnerable youth - foster children aged birth to 21 years old who have experienced abuse, neglect and/or abandonment. Together we can help LIFT UP our foster children. Learn more about how to help a child in foster care at childadvocatessv.org.

Big Kids 6-10 years old have the option to run a half mile fun loop through the park and get a fun goodie bag at the finish line!

How to sign up for the Big Kids Dash? Sign up for the Big Kids dash through standard registration for only $25.  Reg. includes a t-shirt, a bib and a goodie bag at the finish!

See you on race day!  

What is a Virtual 5K?  When you sign up for our Virtual 5K you can run or walk wherever you want, at whatever time you want. Of course, just make sure that you're participating on race day! We hope you'll wear your 5K shirt, recruit friends and post photos on Instagram or Facebook (tag @foster5k and @childadvocatessv).

What time should I arrive on Race Day? Suggested arrival time is 8:00 to 8:15 am. We will be ready to hand out same day bib pickup at 8:00 am, although we much prefer you pickup prior to the event at one of our packet pickup locations (makes the morning go much more smoothly).

How long are the Big & Little Kids Dashes? What are the age restrictions? The Big Kids Dash is 700 meters (a little less than half a mile). Children ages 6 to 10 participate in this Dash. The Little Kids Dash is 250 meters and it is meant for children ages 5 and under. Each Dash will have prizes! 

Is the course chip timed? Yes. Participants for the 5K will be timed with chips located on the back side of the bib numbers. It is required that your bib number remain on the front side of your shirt (preferably chest high), so that the antennas will read your chip properly. Please do not alter or fold your bib number in any way, so that your chip will be read. At the end of the race, you may keep your timing chip.

Are strollers allowed on the course? Yes, strollers are allowed. All participants with feet on the course should register and have a bib. Registration is not required for those in a stroller/carrier.

Are dogs allowed on the course? We love our furry friends! Because of safety concerns, we do not allow dogs on the 5K race course. However, dogs are allowed at the park and can join us for the the pre and post-race party!

Where can I park?  Park has plenty of parking (note there is a $6 parking fee).

Is there a CASA discount? Yes!  We value our CASAs and have discounts for CASAs and their youth. Ask your CASA Supervisor for the discount code.

How do I get my Race Packet & Bib?  We prefer that you pick up bib and race packet in advance of Race Day (packet pickup). There are two options for advance pickup! Pick up on Race Morning will be available, but advanced pick-up is recommended.

Can I register on race day? Yes. Please arrive around 8 am to give yourself enough time to register on race day.

Are there awards?  Prizes are awarded to the Top 3 overall finishers in the following 5K Divisions: 1) Female, 2) Male, 3) Non-Binary/All-Gender. Prizes are also awarded to the top Female, Male, Non-Binary/All-Gender in the following Age Divisions: 12 & Under, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79 and 80+. The Big & Little Kids Dashes will have their own awards/prizes as well. 

How do I join or create a TEAM? You can choose or create a team when you sign up.  If you've already signed up, then you can click on the menu for Group/Teams and create or find a group there.  We strongly encourage teams to show up and lift up each other!

May I raise money for Child Advocates?  Yes! you can raise funds on your own or as a team when you sign up or go to Donate-Become a Fundraiser and create your fundraiser (scroll down if you want to create a team to raise funds with others).  Please connect to Facebook from within Run Signup - it really works to generate donations. 

Other questions? Please contact info@foster5k.org and a member of the Foster5k Committee will get back to you.

Little Kids 0-5 years old run for free on a .5 mile horseshoe route (240 yards) and get a fun goodie bag at the finish line!

How to sign up for the Little Kids Dash?  Even though they run for free, please sign up through standard registration so we know how many kiddos to plan for. You will not be charged for your little and will have a chance to add on a shirt when you check out.  

See you on race day!  

Every child deserves a champion, but more than 600 children in our local foster care system, many having faced abuse or neglect, are still waiting for one. Child Advocates trains and provides Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) who become a stable, trusted presence in these children's lives.

As we celebrate a decade of running for this cause, the funding challenges to meet this need are greater than ever. We cannot do this alone.

We invite you to become a key sponsor for this milestone event. Your partnership will send a powerful message of hope and directly fund the advocacy these children so urgently need.

Download the attached Foster5K + Kids Dash Sponsor benefits flyer and contact us at info@foster5k.org for more information.  We look forward to hearing from you!

Looking for where to donate?

How do donate:

• Online at https://www.foster5k.org/donate or
• mail a check or product donation to:

          Child Advocates of Silicon Valley
          Attn: Foster5K
          1800 Hamilton Ave #200
          San Jose, CA 95125

You asked and we listened!  All new in 2026, a refreshed course that avoids squirrel holes and measures EXACTLY 5K.  

See you on race day!  

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