
From the Organizer
Strides for Africa Run/Walk – August 15, 2026 | McPike Park, Downtown Madison
Join us for the Strides for Africa Run/Walk, a family-friendly event open to all ages and held in-person at McPike Park as part of the kickoff to Africa Fest 2026. Participants can choose from a 5K run, a 5K walk, a 1.5-mile fun walk, a kids' fun run, or take part in a unique team relay that reflects the challenges of collecting water in rural Africa.
Proceeds support Strides for Africa’s clean water, education, and health projects in rural African communities. These initiatives contribute to improved access to water, support for youth education, and measurable community health outcomes. Locally, the event also offers participants a way to engage as global citizens through purposeful action.
This year, instead of t-shirts, each participant will receive a handmade Kenyan paper bead bracelet, supporting environmental sustainability and women artisans who are working to help build community-led education infrastructure for their children. In addition, participants can show their race bib to redeem a free drink at the Africa Fest "Beer Tent" following the event.
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
80°
Typical Low
60°
Chance of Rain
31%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Madison Dane Rgnl Ap, 4 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
275,568
as of 2023
City Elevation
871 ft
Nearest Airport
MSN
Dane County Regional Truax Field · 6 mi
Major Hub
MKE
General Mitchell International Airport · 77 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A big city race. Expect multiple lodging options and plenty to do the day before.
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Strides for Africa, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
59
Days to train
Coming Up
Midwest Financial Group Madison Mini Marathon
Less than a mile away
No Fear All Fun
3 miles away
HENRY VILAS ZOO - RUN WILD 2026
3 miles away
Hoot Hoot Hustle
2 miles 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)
Strides for Africa
Aug 15, 2026