Helen's 5K Run/Walk kicks off at 9:30 AM on September 20, 2026, in Sands Point, New York, giving you time to arrive the morning of the race without an overnight stay. The event takes place at 127 Middle Neck Road and offers a single 5K distance. Entry costs $35. If you're traveling from out of state or prefer flexibility, note that a virtual participation option is available, so you can complete the race on your own schedule. This setup makes it easy to plan your travel logistics around the race without extensive pre-arrival requirements.
From the Race Organizer
Helen's 5K Run/Walk 2026 In Person: Sunday, September 20, 2026 USATF Certified VIRTUALLY: September 14 through September 26, 2026 ___________________________________________________________________________ Join Us In Person - September 20, 2026 Sands Point Preserve, Long Island 9:30 AM EST • USATF Certified Course Registration: $35; $25 for ages 1-17 TIME: Check-in & Registration: 7:45 - 9:00 am (Official Start: 9:30 am) LOCATION: Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point, NY Join Us VIRTUALLY - September 14 - September 26, 2026 Anywhere in the Nation September 14 - September 26 Walk, run, or roll in your community Registration: $35; $25 for ages 1-17 Registration Includes: T-shirt (available only for people who have pre-registered for the in-person event) * Post-race lite bites and refreshments Registration fee is non-refundable and non-transferrable. *Register by September 1st to guarantee T-shirt size. T-shirts are not guaranteed for same-day registration. Walkers & Runners Individuals of all ages and abilities are welcome to participate. Participants under 18 years of age must have a waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian. Two Powerful Causes, One Shared Mission Your participation creates lasting impact for individuals who are blind, DeafBlind, or have low vision, from early childhood through adulthood. Supporting Destiny Home Funds raised will support Destiny Home, the only group home in New York State certified by the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) to serve individuals who are DeafBlind with intellectual disabilities. Since 2008, Destiny Home has provided 24-hour support for four to five permanent residents in Port Washington, helping them pursue job and leisure opportunities that match their interests and abilities. Residents hold down jobs in the community, volunteer at local organizations, and participate actively in Port Washington life – grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, and enjoying community events. Staff members are specially trained in alternative communication techniques, including specialized apps and accessibility features on the iPad, object cues, object symbols, gestures, and tactile and visual sign language. This program demonstrates that every person deserves a home where accessible and preferred communication is a cornerstone principle, enabling residents to live independently while staying connected to their community. Advancing Communication Access at HKNC Funds raised will support communication and environmental access initiatives, including interpreting and SSP services at HKNC. Communication access is essential for DeafBlind individuals to achieve independence – whether that's ASL interpreters, tactile interpreters, assistive technologies, or other communication support. These services enable everything from job training and workplace accommodations to community engagement and advocacy. Funds raised during Helen's 5K Run/Walk will help ensure that communication access remains available where and when it's needed most. Become a Champion for Independence - The Power of Your Network Registration is just the beginning—your real impact comes through peer-to-peer fundraising and connecting with your network to support our mission. Many participants choose to set additional fundraising goals beyond their registration fee, asking friends, family, and colleagues to sponsor their participation and multiply their impact. Helen’s 5K Run/Walk Fundraising Guide Form a Team Gather friends, family, or colleagues to multiply your impact. Team challenges create friendly competition and shared purpose while supporting Helen Keller Services' impactful programs. Teams can set collective goals, track progress together, and consistently raise more funds than individual participants. Corporate Team Challenges & Participation Engage your workplace in meaningful impact while building team connections. Companies can form teams, create internal fundraising campaigns, and choose between in-person participation at Sands Point Preserve or virtual participation. Corporate teams offer valuable team-building opportunities while supporting programs that create lasting change for blind and DeafBlind individuals. Helen’s 5K Run/Walk Team Fundraising Guide Award Categories Overall Male and Female finishers The first physically challenged male and female finishers The 1st place, 2nd place and 3rd place finishers who are DeafBlind The 1st place, 2nd place and 3rd place finishers who are Blind/Low-Vision The first three male and female winners in each age category: 10 and under, 11-15, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+ Medal to the top male and female Veterans or in the Military Helen Keller Services (HKS), a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, offers programs and services through two divisions: Helen Keller National Center for DeafBlind Youths and Adults (HKNC) and Helen Keller Services for the Blind (HKSB). With your support and sponsorship, HKS wi
