On Saturday, August 29, EPIC friends and supporters will gather at Burke Lake Park in Fairfax, Virginia. Together, we will take part in the Iraqi Children Foundation’s annual “In Their Shoes” 5K.
We invite you to run or walk with Team EPIC. You can also participate virtually from anywhere in the world.
EPIC Executive Director Erik Gustafson has participated in every 5K since the event began in 2013. In 2014, EPIC began fielding a team of its own. Since then, Team EPIC has grown from a few friends into one of the event’s largest teams.
Over time, the 5K has become one of the most joyful traditions on EPIC’s calendar. It also offers a meaningful way to stand with a valued partner and the children of Iraq.
Join us
Saturday, August 29, 2026
Burke Lake Park · Fairfax, Virginia
Participate in person or virtually
Supporting the Iraqi Children Foundation
The Iraqi Children Foundation and EPIC are separate, independent nonprofits with distinct but complementary missions. ICF protects and empowers Iraq’s most vulnerable children. EPIC promotes peace, accountable governance, human rights, and environmental action in Iraq.
United by a deep commitment to Iraq, both organizations work alongside Iraqi-led partners to help build a safer, more hopeful future for all Iraqis.
That common purpose has brought EPIC and ICF together in moments of crisis and hope. During the war against ISIS, EPIC and ICF joined forces with the Iraq Health Access Organization (IHAO) and other partners through the Soccer Salam initiative. Together, we delivered emergency assistance to 60,000 Iraqis fleeing violence.
More recently, EPIC and ICF supported the Moulakis Library at American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS) in creating a Summer of Hope in Sulaymaniyah. The project provided education, enrichment, and healing activities for orphaned and conflict-affected children.
Today, that shared commitment brings us together again for ICF’s 5K. EPIC proudly serves as a community partner and organizes Team EPIC.
The 5K raises funds for ICF’s programs throughout Iraq. These programs provide vulnerable children with education, healthcare, legal protection, nutrition, and psychosocial care.
We welcome experienced runners, but you do not need to race. Instead, you can enjoy a relaxed walk with family and friends. If you live overseas or cannot attend in person, you can participate virtually.
Whichever option you choose, we would be delighted to have you on Team EPIC.
We also encourage you to bring others with you. Rally your workplace, organization, faith community, neighbors, or friends to join Team EPIC. If your group prefers its own identity, you can create a separate team through ICF’s registration page.
Every participant strengthens this global show of solidarity. Together, we can stand with Iraqi children and those working every day on their behalf.
Come be part of Team EPIC’s proud tradition.