
From the Organizer
Please join us for our 3rd Annual Race for Rare 5k Run/Walk campaign held at Lake Shawnee in Topeka, Kansas! This race benefits the PPP3CA Hope Foundation, a parent-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing research for PPP3CA rare disease. Proceeds help fund critical research, advance collaboration, raise awareness, and support families affected by PPP3CA.
Complete a 1 Mile Walk or a 5K Run/Walk while helping children with PPP3CA that causes neurodevelopmental disabilities including drug-resistant epilepsy.
Not a runner? No problem! Come for the coffee, stay for breakfast, raffles, and to learn about PPP3CA!
On August 23rd, run, walk, or simply show up to visit with us at 9AM! Registration will begin at 8:00AM.
This is a family-friendly event! We will have a free pancake bar and water starting at 8AM along with Chaos Coffee Truck on-site to purchase your favorite morning drink. The Kona-Ice Truck will be on-site from 9:30AM-10:30AM. Kids can get their faces painted for free from 8:30AM-10:30AM. Race Winners and Medal Awards announced at 10AM. Raffle Basket Prize Winners announced at 10:30AM.
Registration Options:
1. Full Zebra Experience - Kansas: $40 (includes registration, access to vendors on-site, and opportunity to participate in raffles + Race for Rare Logo Tshirt + Swag Bag sponsored items)
2. Basic Entry - Kansas: $20 (includes registration, access to vendors on-site, and opportunity to participate in raffles)
3. Basic Entry - Virtual: $20 (includes registration only - join our fight anywhere & anytime to support kids with PPP3CA!)
Kansas participants will have the option to buy raffle tickets for chances to win amazing prize baskets from our local sponsors!
Cash and Venmo options available for purchase.
This year, we will have 2x the amount of awards to hand out!
We will be awarding Winner Medals the following categories for those that complete the 5K Run:
Note: This is an Untimed Race.
- “Tiny Stripes” Age 0-6
- “Growing Stripes” Age 7-12
- “Rising Stripes” Age 13-19
- “Prime Stripes” Age 20-29
- “Strong Stripes” Age 30-39
- “Enduring Stripes” Age 40-49
- “Legacy Stripes” Age 50-59
- “Golden Stripes” Age 60+
- “Lifetime Stripes Award” Eldest Runner
- “Hope Champion” Best Overall Male
- “Hope Champion” Best Overall Female
- “Claire’s Courage Award: The Bravest Stripes”
To learn more about our nonprofit’s mission and current research to find effective, targeted treatments for our children, please visit: www.ppp3cahope.org or email Jacci Pittz at jacci@ppp3cahope.org
We greatly appreciate the support of our local businesses each year in helping make this event successful and fun for all who participate. If you’re interested in getting involved this year, please reach out to Jacci at jacci@ppp3cahope.org
Share your support by posting your race photos and tagging us @ppp3cahopefoundation and @rare_like_claire with hashtags #ppp3ca #raceforrare
We look forward to racing towards a treatment with you!
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
86°
Typical Low
64°
Based on US Climate Normals data from Topeka - Nws, 5 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
126,103
as of 2023
Elevation
945 ft
Nearest Airport
MHK
Manhattan Regional Airport · 52 mi
Major Hub
MCI
Kansas City International Airport · 56 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at 3rd Annual PPP3CA Race for Rare 5k Run/Walk, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
76
Days to train
Coming Up
Mater Dei PTO's 0.5K & Post Race Party
Less than a mile away
2026 Fiesta Topeka 5K
Less than a mile away
General Lewis W. Walt Detachment – Marine Corps League 5k
Less than a mile away
Back to School 5K
Less than a mile away
From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
3rd Annual PPP3CA Race for Rare 5k Run/Walk
Aug 23, 2026