UPDATE: In light of the social distancing restrictions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, we will now be hosting an all virtual run/walk for our fourth annual Sunset Run for Refugees. For more information and to register, visit our registration page.

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The Sunset Run for Refugees is a special running event on the evening of June 19th, the eve of World Refugee Day, involving the runners, walkers, and community of Washington, DC that will culminate in a candlelight display and vigil at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. With candles in hand, we will form a “caravan of light and hope” and embark on a short run or walk as the sun sets on the horizon.  Our journey concludes at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, where our symbolic caravan of light and hope for refugees will come together for a massive candlelight vigil in support of refugees around the globe as the sun sets in our nation's capital.  We aim to emanate light and hope out into the world to commemorate World Refugee Day, June 20th.  

We invite running and fitness clubs, and all other interested individuals, to head out in the evening for a run or walk before sunset on June 19th, rain or shine. All runners will receive plastic LED candles. Around sunset (8:40 pm), all groups will arrive at the Lincoln Memorial and then proceed to form into a single-file “caravan of light and hope” that will surround the reflecting pool for a candlelight vigil in support of refugees. The entire vigil should last no more than 30 minutes, and there will be photographers and videographers on hand to capture the display. Our goal is to get 1,000 runners out to the event so that we can completely envelop the iconic Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, whose beautiful vista is instantly recognized across the globe. The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is also an appropriate setting as it has been center stage for some of the greatest assemblies of humankind gathering the name of love and humanity. Through this event, we aim to radiate light and hope into the world from the nation’s capital on World Refugee Day.

This event will also raise money for three refugee relief organizations -- Alight, Save the Children, and International Rescue Committee.

All images on this page courtesy of Ellie Van Houtte.