Let's celebrateOromo heritagethrough
Celebrating Oromo Heritage Through Movement
The Gada Global 5K is more than a race — it's a celebration of the Oromo people's rich cultural heritage, timed with the annual Irrechathanksgiving festival. Experience the power of community as we run together through one of Washington DC's most beautiful parkways.
Irrecha Festival
Celebrating the Oromo thanksgiving to Waaqa at the water’s edge
5K Run & Walk
Scenic route through Rock Creek Park for all fitness levels
Cultural Program
Live music, traditional dance, and Oromo cuisine
Community Unity
Bringing together the global Oromo diaspora
What's Included
Every registered runner receives a complete race day package.
Race Bib & Number
Personalized bib with your name and unique race number
Finisher Medal
Custom Gada 5K medal celebrating heritage and Irrecha
Official Race Tee
Limited-edition heritage design with Oromo artwork
Live Race Timing
Track your pace and splits in real-time via our race day app
Our Event Portfolio
The Gada Global 5K is just the beginning. Gada Global Run organizes events that bring people together and promote healthy living across all communities.
Gada Global Special Run (5K & 10K)
Our flagship annual race celebrating Oromo heritage and community unity. October 3, 2026 at the Rock Creek Park Tennis Center, DC.
Family Fun Run & Kids Dash
A family-focused community event designed to get kids active and families moving together in a fun, non-competitive environment.
Corporate Wellness Challenge
Teams from companies compete while promoting workplace wellness. A great team-building experience that supports employee health.
Unity Run
Celebrating diversity and bringing communities together through running. Open to all backgrounds, abilities, and experience levels.
Women Empowerment Run
Supporting women's health, leadership, and empowerment through a dedicated running event that uplifts and inspires.
Charity Run for Education & Health
Raising funds for community causes. Every mile run contributes to education and health initiatives that make a real difference.
Start With the 5K
The inaugural Gada Global 5K on October 3, 2026 launches our mission. Whether you're chasing a personal record or running your very first race, this is where it begins.
$1,200 in Prize Money
Cash awards for the top three finishers in both the men's and women's divisions, presented at the 10:00 AM awards ceremony.
Men
DhiiraWomen
DubartiiAge group awards and finisher medals are presented alongside the cash prizes. All participants receive a medal.
Run Through the Heart of DC
The race starts and finishes at the Rock Creek Park Tennis Center, set inside Washington DC's largest stretch of urban wilderness.
Rock Creek Park
1,754 acres of forested trails, meadows, and creek crossings. The start and finish sit at the Tennis Center on 16th Street NW, in the heart of the park.
The Nation’s Capital
Rock Creek Park runs north to south through Washington DC, linking the neighborhoods above the start line to the monuments a few miles downstream.
The course starts and finishes at the Rock Creek Park Tennis Center, 5220 16th St NW, looping through the surrounding park roads and trails. Flat to gently rolling terrain, fully paved, with water stations at miles 1 and 2.
Frequently Asked
Questions
Everything you need to know before race day. Can't find your answer? Reach out to us directly.
info@gadaglobalrun.comOctober 3, 2026
A morning of running, culture, and community, from 7:00 AM to noon. Click any event to explore details.
5K Race Start
Runners take off from the Rock Creek Park Tennis Center into the surrounding park. The course is flat to gently rolling, fully paved, with water stations at miles 1 and 2.
More Than a Race,
It's a Celebration
Irrecha is the Oromo people's thanksgiving festival, honoring Waaqa (God) and the renewal of life.
The Odaa Tree
Sacred symbol of the Gada system — democratic governance, one of Africa’s oldest traditions.
Water Blessing
Thanksgiving at the water’s edge, symbolizing renewal, peace, and harmony with nature.
Global Diaspora
Connecting Oromo communities worldwide through sport, culture, and shared identity.
One Race, Every Community
The Gada Global 5K is open to all runners, walkers, and supporters regardless of background. While we celebrate Oromo heritage, this event is designed to bring together the full diversity of Washington DC — because running has no borders.
DC Running Community
Partner with local running clubs like DC Road Runners, Pacers, and Georgetown Running Company to bring experienced runners of all backgrounds to the course.
Local Neighborhoods
Engage Adams Morgan, Columbia Heights, Dupont Circle, and Georgetown communities through flyers, local business partnerships, and neighborhood outreach.
Schools & Universities
Invite cross-country teams and student organizations from Howard University, Georgetown, GW, and local high schools. Student discount registration available.
African Diaspora Communities
Connect with Ethiopian, Eritrean, Somali, Kenyan, and broader African community organizations across the DMV area for cross-cultural participation.
Social Media & Influencers
Partner with DC fitness influencers, running bloggers, and community pages across Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to reach 50,000+ local followers.
Corporate & Charity Partners
Offer corporate team registration packages and partner with local nonprofits. Companies can sponsor bibs, water stations, or the cultural festival stage.
Become a Sponsor
Connect with thousands of participants while demonstrating your commitment to health, diversity, and community development.
Secure Your Spot Today
Registration includes bib, timing chip, finisher medal, and official race t-shirt. Limited to 500 runners.