May 09, 2026 • 8am
Zip KC
12829 Loring Rd, Bonner Springs, KS
Join the Kansas City this Foster Care Awareness Month for a one-of-a-kind race—uniting the community to honor foster families, raise awareness for the voiceless, and fund programs that bring stability, healing, and joy to children impacted by foster care.
ABOUT THE EVENT
Raising Awareness for
Voiceless Children
Right now, thousands of children in foster care face instability, uncertainty, and loss. They experience family breakdown, the upheaval of new placements, and the pain of repeated disruptions. Many lack access to therapy, miss out on typical childhood activities, and struggle to find meaningful connection. Too many age out of the system without ever knowing the stability and belonging every child deserves.
These children don't have a voice in the systems that shape their lives. Joy Run 2026 is our chance to speak up for them—to make their experience visible and move our community to action.
This signature Foster Care Awareness Month event brings together individuals, teams, churches, and businesses to elevate the stories of children in care, celebrate those who support them, and fund programs that bring stability, healing, and joy to kids who need it most.
Not everyone can foster.
Not everyone can adopt.
But everyone can do something.
EVENT DETAILS
What to Expect on Race Day
The Race
Wave-based race schedule throughout the day
Flexible course options
Group warm-ups and stage activities between waves
Awards for teams and participants
Photo booths and social media opportunities
Foster Family Experience
Sponsored race scholarships for foster families
Treats for children in foster care
Photo opportunities and special recognition moments
Family-friendly prizes throughout the da
Awareness Booths
Agency booths for education and recruitment
Nonprofits offering foster family support resources
Joy Meadows programs and sign-up opportunities
Interactive games and activities for all ages
Fundraising
Teams and individuals raise funds prior to race
Corporate sponsorships for race elements and obstacles
Prizes for top fundraisers
Food trucks contributing proceeds to Joy Meadows
BE PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER
Registration Opens Feb 15
Sign up as an individual, join an existing team, or rally your friends, coworkers, or church group to create your own team.
FEBRUARY-APRIL
Early Registration
APRIL 24-MAY 9
Late Registration (No Tshirt)
APRIL 1-23
Regular Registration
MAY 9
Race Day
“It’s an honor to sponsor Joy Run each year. Our team loves seeing how this event brings awareness to the needs of children in foster care—and how much joy it brings to everyone involved.”
— 2025 Sponsor
PARTNER WITH US
Why Sponor?
Your sponsorship directly impacts children in foster care. Sponsor families, not just obstacles—and align your organization with values that matter.
High-visibility, values-aligned community engagement
Employee team-building opportunities
Logo placement on race materials and signage
Social media recognition and promotion
Direct impact on children in foster care
Sponsor foster families to participate free of charge
Download the Sponsor PDF
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• Featured as “presented by” on Joy Run shirts, event website, social media and all communications
• Acknowledged and thanked in press release and Joy Run Recap Presenting Sponsor
• Shoutouts on Joy Run race page & Joy Meadows email promotions, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn
• 6 complementary registrations, including a shirt
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• Prominent logo on Foster5K shirts, event website, and social media
• Acknowledged and thanked in the press release and 5K Recap as Gold Sponsor
• Shoutouts on Joy Run race page & Joy Meadows Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn
• 4 complimentary registrations, including a shirt and bag
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• Large logo on Joy Run shirts & event website
• Acknowledged and thanked in press releases and Joy Run Recap as Presenting Sponsor
• Shoutouts on Joy Run race page & Joy Meadows Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn
• 2 complimentary registration, including a shirt and bag
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• Medium logo on Joy Run shirt & event website, social media
• At least one shout-out on Joy Run race page & Joy Meadows Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn
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• Your business sign at one of the obstacles
• Your staff can shoot teams with water guns and cheer people on at your obstacle
• Medium logo on Joy Run shirt & event website, social media
• At least one shout-out on Joy Run race page & Joy Meadows Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn
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• Your Business or Family Name listed on Joy Run shirts
You’re in good company—previous sponsors include:
JOIN THE CHALLENGE
Every step, every obstacle, and every dollar raised helps bring stability, healing, and joy to children and families in our community.
A Joy Meadows signature event during Foster Care Awareness Month—uniting the community to honor foster families, raise awareness, and fund programs that bring stability, healing, and joy to children impacted by foster care.