Fundraisers and Volunteer
WYCked Run 5K
Windsor Downtown Mission
On Saturday, October 24 2026, Windsor's waterfront will come alive with costumes, community spirit, and a shared commitment to supporting local youth.The WYCked Run is not your typical fundraising run or walk! It's a celebration of community, creativity, inclusivity and giving back. Whether you're an experienced runner, a casual walker, a family looking for a fun morning together or someone who simply wants to support a great cause, there is a place for you at the WYCked Run.Costumes are encouraged, but not required. Come dressed as your favorite Halloween character! Show off a homemade creation, coordinate costumes with your team, or simply come as yourself. All are welcome, and welcome are all!Participants can register as individuals or create a team with friends, family members, coworkers, classmates, or community groups. Every participant has the opportunity to create a personal fundraising page and help make a meaningful difference in the lives of local youth.The event features a scenic 5K run or walk along the beautiful Detroit River waterfront. It will begin and end at the Great Canadian Flag in Dieppe Gardens.The course is mostly flat, making it ideal for runners, walkers, families, and participants of all experience levels. If you are feeling competitive, join the timed 5K Run and compete for awards presented to the top three male and female finishers. Every runner will receive a unique finisher medal to commemorate their achievement. Participants in the 5K Walk will receive a commemorative event pin and can enjoy the riverfront at their own pace while supporting a worthy cause.Families are encouraged to bring their children and enjoy the Kids Trick-or-Treat Trail, featuring candy stations, entertainment, family activities, and a special treat bag for every child.The fun continues with our annual costume contest, featuring awards for Best Individual Costume and Best Group Costume.Every dollar raised through the WYCked Run supports the Windsor Youth Centre and helps provide vulnerable youth with access to a safe place to connect, nutritious meals, essential resources, encouragement, and opportunities to build brighter futures.Our mission is simple: No Youth Left Behind, Moving Forward Together. When you participate in the WYCked Run, you are doing more than crossing a finish line. You are helping create hope, stability, and opportunity for young people in our community.Event ScheduleJoin us for a fun-filled morning along Windsor's beautiful riverfront while helping support youth in our community.8:30 AM : Registration & Check-In Opens. Pick up your participant package and get ready for an unforgettable morning.9:15 AM: Opening Remarks & Group Warm-Up. Gather at the Great Canadian Flag for a welcome message, fundraising highlights, and a pre-race warm-up.9:30 AM: 5K Run Begins. Runners begin their 5K journey along the scenic Detroit River waterfront.9:35 AM: 5K Walk & Stroll Begins. Walkers and strollers set off along the same beautiful route at their own pace.10:00 AM: Kids Trick-or-Treat Trail Opens. Children can enjoy candy stations, activities, entertainment, and collect treats along the trail.11:15 AM: Costume Contest Judging / Awards will be presented forBest Individual CostumeBest Group CostumeSpirit Award11:30AM: Awards Ceremony. Recognition ofTop 3 male 5k finishersTop 3 female 5k finishersCostume contest winnersFundraising achievements12:00PM: Event concludes. Thank you for helping us support local youth and move our community forward together!!Course Highlights5 kilometre DistanceOut-and-back routeMostly flat terrainScenic Detroit river viewsFamily friendlyWalker friendlyStroller friendlyWater and First Aid Stations1km1.8km2.5k Turnaround pointParticipants will pass each station twice.Team ParticipationEverything is more fun with a team! Create a team with friends, family members, coworkers, classmates, neighbors, or community groups and fundraise together in support of local youth.Teams canFundraise togetherTrack progress onlineCelebrate together on event dayCompete for fundraising recognitionWhether your team has 2 participants or 20, every step makes a difference.Your ImpactEvery step and every dollar raised helps strengthen programs and services offered through the Windsor Youth Centre.Funds raised help provideSafe spaces for youthNutritious mealsBasic necessitiesOutreach programsConnection to community resourcesSupport for youth facing crisis or homelessnessTogether, we can help ensure that every young person has access to the support and opportunities they deserve.No Youth Left Behind, Moving Forward Together.Parking & ArrivalThe WYCked Run starts and finishes at the Great Canadian Flag in Dieppe Gardens.Parking OptionsFestival Plaza parkingCaesars Windsor Parking GarageNearby Downtown Municipal lotsAvailable street parking in the Downtown core.Arrival InformationParticipants are encouraged to arrive 15-20 minutes before their event start time.
