MIHEI Strides for Mothers 5K
Every Step
You Take
Saves a Life.
In Nigeria, a mother is 40 times more likely to die giving birth than a mother in the United States — from causes that are entirely preventable. On August 22nd, we run for her.
Why We Run
A Mother Shouldn't Have to
Risk Her Life to Give Life.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of women in Nigeria die during childbirth — not from rare or complex conditions, but from preventable causes: hemorrhage, infection, eclampsia. Causes that are entirely treatable with the right care, the right training, and the right technology.
Nigeria has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world. A woman there is 40 times more likely to die giving birth than a woman in the United States. In many rural communities, trained skilled birth attendants are scarce, antenatal care is out of reach, and the distance to the nearest clinic can be the difference between life and death.
"Every donation — no matter the size — goes directly to funding antenatal care, training birth attendants, and building technology that saves mothers' lives. Together, our strides add up to something transformative."
— Founder & Director, MIHEIThe Maternal and Infant Health Equity Initiative (MIHEI) was founded to close this gap. We fund antenatal care for women who cannot afford it, train community birth attendants in rural areas, and build innovative care coordination technology that connects women to the right support at the right time.
MIHEI Strides for Mothers is our first public fundraising event in the United States — and every dollar raised goes directly into these programs.
A mother and child at a MIHEI health program in Nigeria. Programs like these depend entirely on community support.
Race Day — August 22, 2026
Built for Every Pace.
Made for Every Cause.
Whether you run a 6-minute mile or walk the whole way with your family, there is a place for you at MIHEI Strides for Mothers. The only requirement is showing up for the mothers who need us.
5K Run
Two loops of the scenic DCR's Chestnut Hill Reservation path. Chip timed. Flat, paved course with no road crossings. Mile markers throughout.
All levels welcome2.5K Walk
One loop around the reservoir. Perfect for families, first-timers, or anyone who wants to show up and make a difference at their own pace.
Family friendlyFinisher Medal
Every finisher receives a custom MIHEI-branded finisher medal with sublimated ribbon. A keepsake that tells the story of why you ran.
Every finisherThe Course
DCR's Chestnut Hill Reservation, Brighton, MA. Flat paved loop. Free parking at Reilly Memorial Rink. Accessible via Green Line C — Cleveland Circle.
Boston, MARace Schedule
7:00 AM — Bib pickup & registration
8:00 AM — 5K race start
8:05 AM — 2.5K walk start
11:00 AM — Awards ceremony
Minimum Donation
$50 minimum donation to enter — not a flat entry fee. Give more to fund more. Optional MIHEI merch with donations of $75 or above.
100% to programsParticipant Packets & Bib Pickup
Pick Up Your Bib
Before Race Day
We are partnering with local running stores to offer pre-race packet pickup — so race morning is smooth, easy, and stress-free for everyone.
Pre-Race Pickup — Marathon Sports, Brookline
Pick up your bib, timing chip, and any merch the day before the race at Marathon Sports in Brookline. Participants enjoy a 20% discount on all in-store items during pickup. Exact details will be shared with all registered participants via email closer to race day.
Race Morning Pickup — DCR's Chestnut Hill Reservation
A limited race morning pickup will be available at the event site for those unable to attend pre-race pickup. We recommend arriving early.
Your packet includes
- ✓ Race bib with your number
- ✓ Timing chip (RFID)
- ✓ Safety pins
- ✓ MIHEI event info card
- ✓ Course map
- ✓ Any merch ordered ($75+ tier)
Registered participants will receive full pickup details by email at least one week before the event. Questions? [email protected]
Become a Sponsor
Put Your Brand Behind
a Mission That Matters
MIHEI Strides for Mothers is more than a race. It is a platform for organizations who believe in health equity to stand alongside a cause that saves lives. All sponsorships are fully tax-deductible.
To become a sponsor, email info@mihei.org with the subject line: Sponsorship - MIHEI 5k run 2026
Our Sponsors & Partners
Supported by Pfizer Greater Boston Global Black Community Chapter
Official Race Partner
To discuss sponsorship, contact info@mihei.org
Limited to 200 spots
Join Us on August 22nd.
Register today and become part of the movement to make maternal health a right, not a privilege. Every stride you take on race day is a stride toward a world where no mother has to die giving life.
Register & Donate on RunSignup