Race for Refugees

About the Event

The 8th Annual Race for Refugees is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026, in St. Louis, MO. Established in 2017, this community-driven event raises critical funds for the International Institute of St. Louis, an organization that has been resettling and supporting refugees since 1919. St. Louis has a long history as a resettlement hub, particularly for Bosnian, Vietnamese, and more recently, Afghan and Ukrainian populations. Currently, approximately 5% of the St. Louis city population is foreign-born, and the region has seen a significant boost in economic development and neighborhood revitalization due to the entrepreneurial spirit of its immigrant communities.

Race Category	Distance	Start Time	Key Features
Timed 5K Run/Walk	5 km	9:00 AM CDT	Chip-timed / Awards
1 Mile Fun Run	1 mile	9:00 AM CDT	Untimed / All Ages
Virtual 5K	5 km	Anytime	Remote Participation

Community Impact and Services

The event is hosted at the Sons of Rest Pavilion in the historic Tower Grove Park. Proceeds directly support the International Institute’s holistic "first-touch" services, which include housing placement, cultural orientation, job placement, and economic development for new arrivals. The race is known for its inclusive, family-friendly atmosphere, welcoming strollers and dogs. Beyond the physical challenge, it serves as a celebration of the multiculturalism that strengthens the St. Louis region. Participants can compete for awards across various age groups, ranging from "18 & Under" to "60+," as well as a special recognition for the largest participating team.

Registration and Logistics

Registration fees follow a tiered structure based on the date of entry. The 5K is currently $40.49, with a final increase to $45.99 beginning April 5th. Youth pricing for those 12 and under remains constant at $18.49, while the 1 Mile Fun Run is $23.99. Registrants receive a race t-shirt, though those who sign up after March 31st are not guaranteed a specific size. For local participants, pre-race packet pickup is available at Running Niche on Tower Grove Ave on April 16th and 17th from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Race day pickup is also available at the pavilion starting at 7:00 AM.

Team and Virtual Options

Gathering a group is highly encouraged, as teams of five or more receive a $5 discount per registrant. For those outside the St. Louis area, the virtual 5K option ($34.99) allows supporters to participate from any neighborhood or treadmill while still contributing to the fundraising goals. Online registration closes at 11:59 PM on April 17th. For specific questions regarding corporate sponsorships or volunteer roles, event contact Samson Hillary can be reached at (314) 930-2887.

Races Offered

1 Mile

Apr 18, 2026

straighten

Distance — 1mi

terrain

Type — Others, Running

timer

09:00

sell

$23.99

5K

Apr 18, 2026

straighten

Distance — 5km

terrain

Type — Others, Running

timer

09:00

sell

$34.99

5K Youth (ages 12 & under)

Apr 18, 2026

straighten

Distance — 5km

terrain

Type — Others, Running

timer

09:00

sell

$18.49

5k Virtual

Apr 18, 2026

straighten

Distance — 5km

terrain

Type — Others, Running

timer

09:00

sell

$34.99

Weather Overview

These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for April in St. Louis.

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

thermostat 9.1° / 20.6°

wb_sunny 5.7° / 17.8°

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

air 13.9 /

water_drop 64.2%

Temp (°C)

Feels Like (°C)

Wind (km/h)

Humidity (%)

thermostat 9.1° / 20.6°

wb_sunny 5.7° / 17.8°

air 13.9 km/h

water_drop 64.2%

About St. Louis

Learn more about the host city, St. Louis.

The Gateway City of St. Louis is the epitome of the modern Midwestern metropolis. Missouri's second-largest city is vibrant but laid-back, populous but navigable, historic but still relevant. The city's planners have created an aesthetically beautiful city, with plenty of green space amidst buildings both old and new, framed by the majestic Mississippi and Missouri rivers. And capping it all is the world's tallest man-made monument, the beautiful and iconic Gateway Arch.