Race for Our Kids Returns Oct. 11 at Maryland Zoo, Bringing Families Together to Support Local Children
Ohio toddler’s journey through leg surgeries highlights why Race for Our Kids matters
WHAT: LifeBridge Health’s Robert I. Damie Race for Our Kids returns Sunday, Oct. 11, at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, bringing together hundreds of runners, walkers and families for a morning of fitness, fun and fundraising for programs that support children and families facing illness and other medical challenges.
The event features a 5K run, a 1-mile family walk and a post-race celebration at the zoo. More than 600 people have registered, with more than $180,000 raised so far to support children and families.
Funds raised support the Herman & Walter Samuelson Children’s Hospital at Sinai, the Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopedics Save-A-Limb Fund, Center for Hope and The Family Tree.
Among those walking is 2-year-old Owen Fay from Ohio who spent 102 days in Maryland while receiving treatment at Children’s Hospital at Sinai for a rare congenital condition called posteromedial tibial bowing. The condition affects the shape and alignment of the shinbone. After surgery and months of treatment and physical therapy, Owen continues to recover and will return for race day. His family is walking as team “Gr”OWEN” a Leg” to support other families navigating a child’s medical challenges. Race day is also Owen’s third birthday!
The post-race celebration features food, face painting and games for kids, with many patients and families reuniting with their caregivers. Many families and teams return year after year, forming clever team names to honor their journeys.
WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026
- 7:30 a.m. – Registration opens
- 8:30 a.m. – 5K run begins at the zoo’s main entrance
- 8:45 a.m. – 1-mile family walk begins at the zoo’s main entrance
- 9:45 a.m. – Post-race celebration at the Waterfowl Pavilion (through main entrance)
- 10 a.m. – Zoo opens
WHERE: Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, 1 Safari Place
MORE INFORMATION: Visit www.raceforourkids.org
MEDIA CONTACT: Theo Hayes, thayes3@lifebridgehealth.org