Ajax, Ontario. October 3, 2026.
A 5K that runs for something real.
From Ajax. Olympian. Canadian National Champion.
The Pocket Run was not born from a medal, a title, or a finish line.
It was born in Rwanda.
In November 2025, Duan traveled there as a Right To Play Ambassador and saw how sport can give children confidence, joy, and hope. The Pocket Run 5K is his way of bringing that message home.
In November 2025, Duan Asemota traveled to Rwanda as a Right To Play Ambassador. Not as a tourist, but as someone who wanted to understand what sport actually means to children who need it most. What he found changed the way he saw everything.
He saw children light up through play. He saw confidence build in classrooms and schoolyards. He saw how movement could give a child something that no curriculum could teach: the belief that their future could be bigger than their circumstances.
That experience stayed with him on the flight home.
The Pocket Run 5K is his answer to that trip. A race in the city that raised him, built to send something back to the children who inspired him.
"When a child is given space to play, they are also given space to believe." — Duan Asemota
In November 2025, Duan traveled to Rwanda as a Right To Play Ambassador and saw what play-based learning actually looks like. Not a concept. A classroom. Children building, coding, and creating solutions to real problems in their communities. Right To Play has been in Rwanda for over twenty years turning that belief into reality across 312 schools and 116,000 children a year.
The program that made it undeniable was Plug in Play. Coding. Robotics. Engineering. Students as young as ten presenting things they built with their own hands. The funding is limited. Not every school has access. That gap is what this race is closing. Net proceeds go to Right To Play Rwanda through Right To Play Canada.
When registration opens, every participant can create a personal fundraising page for Right To Play Rwanda. Run for yourself. Raise for them.
"A ten-year-old girl built a hospital with an irrigation system attached. She did not read about it. She built it. That is what this run is for."
Right To Play has been operating in Rwanda since 2003. Today it reaches over 90,000 children a year across 312 schools. In November 2025, Duan traveled to Ruhango and saw it firsthand.
Rwanda, East Africa
You cross the finish line, hear your name called, get your medal from a Paris Olympian. Then the 40 Yard Dash starts and the whole park gets loud. October 3 in Ajax — this is what you're showing up for.
You just ran 5K. Now step up and see how fast you really are. The Fastest 40 is a timed 40-yard dash open to every registered bib holder — hosted by Paris Olympian Duan Asemota and officially timed by OVR Performance. One shot. Full sprint. Ajax on the clock.
Every registered bib holder gets a run. Giveaways on the line. Bragging rights forever.
Join the Waitlist5K along the Rotary Waterfront Trail, Ajax, Ontario. Flat, scenic, and right on the water.
Partner with an Olympian-led community event that gives back to Rwanda. Your brand alongside a story worth telling.
Interested in partnering? Download our sponsor brief or contact us.
Download Sponsor BriefThe Pocket Run gives brands a community platform connected to sport, wellness, youth impact, livestream content, and Right To Play Rwanda. Partners receive race day visibility, digital content, on-site activation opportunities, and a connection to a story people can feel.
The Pocket Run runs on people. If you want to be part of race day behind the scenes: course marshalling, aid stations, registration, or finish line. We want to hear from you. A community service hours letter is provided upon request.
Check-in opens at 7:30 AM. The 5K starts at 9:00 AM sharp. We recommend arriving by 8:30 AM to pick up your bib, warm up, and get settled before the start.
Parking is available at Rotary Park and surrounding areas along Lake Driveway West, Ajax. Arrive early as spots fill up on race morning.
Absolutely. You can donate directly to Right To Play Canada through the link on this page. Donations made directly through Right To Play Canada support Right To Play programming in Rwanda.
Yes. The event is open to runners and walkers of all levels.
Yes. All participants will receive an official chip time.
Yes, all participants including children need a registered bib.
Net proceeds go to Right To Play programming in Rwanda through Right To Play Canada (CRA #888804218RR0001).
The event runs rain or shine. In the case of severe weather, participants will be notified by email.
Yes. After the 5K, all registered bib holders are eligible to enter the 40 Yard Dash Challenge, timed by OVR Performance. Duan will be competing alongside you.
Yes. The Pocket Run 5K will be professionally photographed and livestreamed. Race day content will be shared across our social channels. Follow @ThePocketRun for coverage.
Yes. Contact info@thepocketrun.ca or request our sponsor brief.
Yes. Sign up through our contact form and indicate you'd like to volunteer.
The Pocket Run 5K will be filmed and livestreamed, giving partners, supporters, and community members a way to experience the event beyond race day.
Join the WaitlistReady to run? Join the waitlist to be first to know when registration opens.
Join the Waitlist
Net proceeds support
Right To Play Rwanda
Right To Play Canada · CRA: 888804218RR0001
Learn About Right To Play