Free To Run Foundation presents the 17th Annual World Race for Hope 5k, which takes place on New Year's Day and throughout January 2024 to raise awareness of human trafficking. There are two registration options, an informal, untimed 5k run/walk in Troy, Ohio on January 1st, and a virtual race that you can do anywhere, anytime during the month of January. Both events are free / pay what you can, with donations and creating an individual fundraising page optional. For the second year in a row, we are also offering the January 50 mile Challenge, where you commit to running or walking at least 50 miles during the month of January, for the 50 million people estimated to be in modern slavery in the world today. You can sign up for one or all three events!

Race for Hope Troy 5k

The in-person 5k in Troy, Ohio will occur like it has the last few years, as a free, no frills fun run/walk taking place along the Great Miami River. There will not be official timing or official results published, so be sure to bring your watch if you want to track your time! The start and finish will be at the Gazebo on the river levee bike path by Hobart Arena, with two optional courses: out and back on the bike path, or three loops around the stadium and Hobart Arena.

Virtual Race for Hope

If you don't reside in the Dayton area, or you would rather support the cause by running wherever you are at, inside on a treadmill or track or outside on your own schedule, you can select the Virtual 5k option. You will complete your virtual 5k anytime during the month of January, which of course is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention month (aka Human Trafficking Awareness Month). We encourage you to share the race with your friends and family, and even post a picture during or after your virtual race on social media and upload your photos on this site. Tag Free To Run Foundation on Facebook and/or Instagram, and use hash tag #virtual5ktoendslavery.

January 50 mile Challenge (virtual)

When you join the January 50 mile challenge, which you can sign up for anytime during the month, you are committing to running or walking, or a combination of both, at least 50 miles during the month. It's your choice how, where, and when you do the miles. When you log your miles in the event website, you will be able to track the leaderboard and see who is logging the most miles.