
3RD Annual
3rd Annual PPP3CA Race for Rare 5k Run/Walk is a running race on August 23, 2026 in Topeka, KS, with entry fees from $20 to $40.
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.
**This year's event is gratefully and proudly Sponsored By: PPP3CA Hope Foundation, Kaw Valley Bank, JTC Underground, Expert Plumbing, Foundry Event Center, Hazel Catering, Sideline Social Co., C. Shinn Photography, Tallgrass Travel-Katie Pittz, Berryton Blooms, HTeaO-Raymore, Balloons By Cathryn KC, Kimberlee & Troy Pittz Family, and Alyce Bishop Family. **
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, silent auction, 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!
Shelter House #3 will have air conditioning and restrooms. Parking available and nearby at public playground.
We will have a free pancake bar provided by Hazel Catering starting at 8AM with coffee for purchase from Blind Barista Coffee.
Water provided at the Shelter House and on the trail by HTeaO-Raymore.
The Kona-Ice Truck will be on-site from 9:30AM-10:30AM.
Kids can get their faces painted for free by Aunt Nancy's Face Art from 8:30AM-10:30AM.
Kids will receive participation medals again this year made by 785 Wood Shack and sponsored by JTC Underground.
C.Shinn Photography will be there again to photograph the memories!
Balloons By Cathryn KC will make a beautiful photo op for you to take photos!
Make it memorable by visiting the Finely Linked Booth for permanent jewelry!
Race Winners and Medal Awards (sponsored by Tallgrass Travel Katie Pittz) announced at 10AM.
Silent Auction Prize Winners announced at 10:30AM. (Must be present to bid).
Kansas participants will have the option to bid on amazing prize baskets from our local business donors!
Cash, Check, and Venmo options available for purchase.
Registration Options:
1. Full Zebra Experience - Kansas: $40 (includes registration, access to vendors on-site, and opportunity to participate in silent auction + Race for Rare Logo Tshirt + Swag Bag sponsored items). Shirts made by Social Sideline Co. Registration for this will close July 31st!
2. Basic Entry - Kansas: $20 (includes registration, access to vendors on-site, and opportunity to participate in silent auction)
3. Basic Entry - Virtual: $20 (includes registration only - join our fight anywhere & anytime to support kids with PPP3CA!)
Virtual supporters may purchase a shirt here.
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 and monitored by volunteers.
- “First Stripes” Age 0-8
- “Growing Stripes” Age 9-13
- “Rising Stripes” Age 14-19
- “Bold Stripes” Age 20-29
- “Swift Stripes” Age 30-39
- “Enduring Stripes” Age 40-49
- “Legacy Stripes” Age 50-59
- “Golden Stripes” Age 60+
- “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 #raceforclaire
We look forward to racing towards a treatment with you!
Special Thank You to our Silent Auction Business Donors:
GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness-Topeka: GreatLIFE Golf & Fitness - Topeka: https://greatlifetopeka.com
Charlie Shinn Photography
Sideline Social Co: https://sidelinesocialcollective.com
TallGrass Travel: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095194371569
SkyZone Topeka: https://www.skyzone.com/topeka/
785 Beer Company: https://785beercompany.com
The Wheel Barrel: https://www.thewheelbarrel.com
Chick-Fil-A Topeka: https://www.chick-fil-a.com/locations/ks/south-topeka-blvd-ks
Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center: https://topekazoo.org
Kansas Children’s Discovery Center: https://kansasdiscovery.org
Skinner Garden Store: https://skinnergardenstore.com
Berryton Blooms: https://www.berrytonblooms.com
Foundry Event Center: https://thefoundryeventcenter.com
Nothing Bundt Cakes: https://www.nothingbundtcakes.com/find-a-bakery/ks/topeka/
Cyrus Hotel: https://www.cyrushotel.com
Azure Aesthetics Med Spa: https://azureaestheticsmedspa.com
Lauren’s Sweet Corner: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057145492655
The Pennant: https://www.thepennanttopeka.com
Finely Linked Permanent Jewelry: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088317696114
Milk & Honey Coffee: https://www.facebook.com/milkandhoneycoffee/
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
89°
Typical Low
65°
Chance of Rain
33%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Topeka Forbes Fld, 4 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
126,103
as of 2023
City 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.
31
Days to train
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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 an accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
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Plan your trip
Coming from out of town? There's more to Topeka than race day. We'll help you line up nearby lodging, flights, a rental car, and things to do so you can make the most of your racecation.
Plan your trip to TopekaFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
3rd Annual PPP3CA Race for Rare 5k Run/Walk
Aug 23, 2026