MIHEI Strides for Mothers 5K
Every stride helps
a mother reach
safe care.
In Nigeria, women are far more likely to die from pregnancy and childbirth than women in the United States, often from preventable causes like hemorrhage, infection, and eclampsia. On August 22nd, we run to help women reach timely, affordable, and coordinated maternal care.
Why We Run
Somewhere in Nigeria,
A Mother Is Waiting for Care.
Somewhere in Nigeria, a woman is pregnant and alone. She cannot afford antenatal care. She does not know where to go, or who to call. Without intervention, she may not survive her delivery.
This is not a rare story. Nigeria accounts for more than a quarter of all maternal deaths worldwide. A woman giving birth there faces a 1 in 19 lifetime risk of dying during pregnancy or childbirth. In the United States, that risk is 1 in 4,900.
The gap between those two numbers is not fate. It is a failure of access.
MIHEI was founded on a simple but urgent belief: a mother’s life should never be determined by her zip code, her income, or the road she lives on.
On August 22nd, we are running for her. We are walking for her. We are showing up, because she cannot.
The MIHEI Strides for Mothers 5K brings together runners, walkers, and families at DCR's Chestnut Hill Reservation in Brighton, Massachusetts. We believe the Boston community has the compassion to care for women they may never meet, living lives very different from their own, across an ocean away.
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 registered runner and walker receives a custom MIHEI-branded finisher medal — a keepsake that represents every stride taken for mothers.
All participantsThe 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
8:00 AM — 2.5K walk start
10:00 AM — Awards ceremony
Awards & Team Challenge
Participant 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]
Volunteer Opportunity
Help Us Make Race Day
Meaningful and Smooth
MIHEI Strides for Mothers 5K is made possible by people who show up with heart. Volunteers help us welcome participants, guide the course, support water stations, manage check-in, assist with medals, and create a warm race-day experience for every runner and walker.
Sign Up to VolunteerRace-Day Volunteer Roles
We would love support before, during, and after the run/walk.
- Registration and check-in support
- Course marshals and participant guidance
- Water station and finish-line support
- Medal distribution and event setup/cleanup
- Photo, video, and general event support
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
Race Management Partner
To discuss sponsorship, contact info@mihei.org
Every stride helps
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