Run with Kenyans 5k and 1 Mile Fun Walk
About this race
Join us at Des Moines Water Works Park for one of the most spirited community races of the year: Run With Kenyans, held during Juneteenth weekend as part of the Gotabgaa International Conference 2026.
This event is a celebration of health, culture, unity, and community, inspired by the rich tradition of Kenyan running excellence. Whether you are pushing the pace in the 5K, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk, or rallying your team for the exciting Fun 4 × 400 Interchapter/Presidential Relay, there is something for everyone.
Participants of all ages and fitness levels are warmly welcome. Come run, walk, cheer, and celebrate together, then stay and enjoy the post-race atmosphere filled with music, culture, and community connection.
Race Events:
- Fun 4 × 400 Interchapter/Presidential Relay — Teams of 4, each runner completes 400 meters | 8:00 AM
- 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk — Open to all ages | 8:30 AM
- 5K Run — Open to all fitness levels | 9:00 AM
Proceeds from this event will benefit the local community through GotabIowaa, supporting youth empowerment, mental health awareness, and physical activity initiatives — all in service of building a stronger, healthier community.
A heartfelt thank you to all participants, sponsors, vendors, and volunteers whose generous support makes this extraordinary event possible.
Run With Kenyans — Building a healthier community through running, teamwork, and culture.
Packet Pick
Pick up your race Bib and Package on Saturday June 20 from 12 - 5 pm at Fleet Feet 521 E Locust St
Des Moines, IA 50309
Pick your distance
Running
5k Run
The 5K will begin after the 1 MIle Social walk/run approximately 9:30am
1 Mile Fun Run/Walk
This mile is a chance to meet, greet, and chat with new and old friends! Strollers allowed
Typical race-day weather
Based on 5 years of Open-Meteo archive data for this event's race dates in Des Moines, plus the 3 days either side.
The sun rises at 5:40 AM and sets at 8:52 PM local time (CDT) in Des Moines on June 21, 2026 — 15h 11m of daylight.
Course
No course map published yet.
The organizer hasn't released a route for this event, and we don't publish guesses. If you're the organizer, send us a GPX file and we'll draw the profile.
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Results — Run with Kenyans 5k and 1 Mile Fun Walk
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🏃 Plan Your Next Race in Des Moines
Find upcoming events by distance:
- Des Moines 5K Races 52 races
- 10K Run Events in Des Moines 29 races
- Des Moines Half Marathons 22 races
- Marathons in Des Moines 7 races
- Des Moines Running Calendar 2026 64 races
Where this page comes from. Race details were last updated on . We re-check listings regularly and again in the week before race day.
- Entries, prices, waves and inclusions — the event's official registration page
- Temperature and humidity — Copernicus ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0)
- Elevation and terrain relief — Copernicus DEM GLO-90, ESA (CC BY 4.0)
- Comparisons and counts — Race Discovery calendar, 67 Des Moines events
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