Foster 5K Marks Decade Helping South Bay Kids

Child Advocates of Silicon Valley is marking the 10th annual Foster5K + Kids Dash in San Jose on Sunday, May 17. (foster5k.org) The fundraiser supports Child Advocates of Silicon Valley and its Court Appointed Special Advocate program, which serves children in foster care in Santa Clara County. (foster5k.org) (childadvocatessv.org) This year’s event starts at 9 a.m. for the 5K and 10 a.m. for the Kids Dash at Martial Cottle Park, 5283 Snell Ave. in San Jose. (foster5k.org) Organizers say the 2026 race comes amid a “critical funding crisis” and are pitching participation as a way to keep advocates available for foster youth who have experienced trauma. (foster5k.org) The race has grown from a community fundraiser into a broader family event. The 5K is chip-timed, and the youth program now includes a Big Kids Dash for ages 6 to 10 and a Little Kids Dash for children 5 and under. (foster5k.org) Little Kids Dash registration is free this year, though organizers ask families to sign up in advance so children can receive a bib and medal. (foster5k.org) The event began in Los Altos in spring 2017, according to Child Advocates of Silicon Valley, and by 2023 it had added a kids dash and returned to in-person racing after three years of virtual events. (childadvocatessv.org) That 2023 race was pushed from April 2 to May 7 and moved to Martial Cottle Park after flooding hit the original venue, Hellyer County Park. (childadvocatessv.org) The 2026 edition is presented by Rubrik, and the registration page advertises a $45 group rate for teams of 10 or more participants. (foster5k.org) Ten years in, the pitch is still the same: turn a local 5K into money and visibility for children in foster care. (foster5k.org)