The Red Shoe 5K is our signature community event and largest annual fundraiser — the one day each year when families, volunteers, sponsors, McDonald’s Owner/Operators, corporate partners, donors and community supporters come together in one powerful show of support.
More than a race, this is a celebration of the community that helps make Family Stays possible.
Every step helps remove barriers, strengthen families and promote healing — so families can stay close, stay together and remain part of their child’s care when they need it most.
Every step, gift, and team helps families stay close.
Whether you’re walking, running, or cheering, we invite you to lace up and be part of a powerful day that brings the community together for families when it matters most.
You can join as an individual or bring together your family and friends to form a team.
Kids ages 8 and under are also invited to register for our Kids’ Fun Run.
All registered little runners will receive a matching shirt and red hero cape
Make your impact go even further by starting a personal fundraiser. We’ve made it easier than ever to do your own fundraising in just three simple steps:
Note: If you’ve already registered for the event, you’ll automatically receive your fundraiser information to the email provided.
Everything’s better with a team! The Red Shoe 5K makes it easy to rally your friends, family, or coworkers.
You can create or join a team anytime, even after you’ve completed your registration.
Want to support our mission but can’t join us in person? You can still support families with sick and injured children.
Red Shoe 5K offers a high-visibility, community-driven platform for brands to show up with purpose. Sponsors are integrated into the experience — before, during, and after race day — through on-site presence, digital visibility, and direct engagement with a broad, engaged audience.
This is more than exposure. It’s alignment with a mission people trust and a moment people remember. Show up where community and impact meet.
Whether you’re joining in honor of a loved one, supporting families in our community, or simply challenging yourself, we’d love to hear your story. Sharing why you’re participating helps inspire others to lace up and join the Red Shoe Crew.
The 5k will be held on Sunday, October 4, at National Harbor, Maryland.
Kids Fun Run: 8:30 AM; 5k: 9:00 AM
When you show up, you can expect a high-energy, feel-good event filled with movement, community, and purpose:
