Step Up for KIDS

Step Up for KIDS is a timed or untimed 5K run and Memorial Walk that benefits the Kansas Infant Death and SIDS Network. The 23rd annual event will take place in person on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Wichita's Old Cowtown Museum, 1865 W. Museum Blvd. Registration includes a T-shirt (guaranteed if registered by March 31, 2026), children's fair, brunch, and admission to Cowtown, a living history museum of 1870s Victorian Wichita.

This scenic riverside 5K course begins and ends at Old Cowtown Museum.
Ages 12 years and older are $30 ($35 if you register after March 31, 2026).
Ages 2 - 11 years are $15 ($20 if registered after March 31, 2026).

Event Day: Saturday, April 25, 2026
8:00 a.m. Check In, registration and packet pickup begins
8:30 a.m. Children's Activities begins
9:00 a.m. 5K and Memorial Walk begins
10:00 a.m. Brunch
10:15 a.m. 5K and team awards
10:30 a.m. Explore Old Cowtown Museum

Individuals and Teams
Step Up for KIDS invites individuals and teams to participate in the 5K and/or the Memorial Walk. Strollers and wheelchairs are permitted. Teams can compete for the Grand Team Award by raising the most money. Participating teams must register under one team name, for example Reed's Runners.

Memorial Walk
For the Memorial Walk, participants are encouraged to walk in memory of all babies who have died too soon. This year baby signs will be placed on the 5K course; therefore, there will be no Memorial Bubble Release.

Packets
Pre-registered participants may pick up their packets at the KIDS office, 300 W. Douglas, Suite 145, between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2026. 5K timing chips will be distributed with packets. Packets also will be available at check-in on the event day.

Awards
5K: Both adult men and women and youth boys and girls will be awarded for top three overall finishers. Timer Guys will time the event.
Team: The Grand Team Award will go to the team that has raised the most money.
Door prizes will be given away. All registered participants (runners and walkers) are eligible, but you must be present to win. Reminder: Incomplete registration information, including the liability waiver, will exclude a participant from awards.

Part of the Step Up 5K event is our memorial walk where we walk together in memory of those infants who died too soon. For those of you who have not been to Step Up in the past, we place a baby sign along the 5K route of each baby who is represented by a team.

Things to consider:

If you would like the KIDS Network to include a baby sign in honor of the infant you are walking for at Step Up, please complete the following Google Form.

If you’ve shared a photo with us in the past, you can visit our online memorial page at KIDSKS.org to see if your baby’s photo is already included.

If you don’t have a photo, you are welcome to share a symbol that represents your child — such as a star, rainbow, butterfly, or another image that holds special meaning for you.

Signs will be printed and placed along the Step Up 5K route at Old Cowtown for event day and saved at the Network for the following year.

Rain or shine...we will Step Up for KIDS!

Please no pets, alcoholic beverages or glass containers.

Step Up for KIDS benefits the Kansas Infant Death and SIDS Network. The 23rd annual event will take place virtually from Saturday, April 4, 2026, thru Saturday, April 25, 2026, on your own on a course of your choice. Look for messages from KIDS Network about the event details and where to load your times. ** T-shirt guaranteed if registered by March 31, 2026, and will include a $5.00 shipping fee.