2026 MLK Dream Run

Sun, Sep 20, 2026, 8:00 AM PDT

Location: Portland, OR; 705 N Killingsworth St, Portland, OR 97217, 705 N Killingsworth St, Portland, OR 97217, 97217
Type: RUN

At a glance

Run for community impact at the MLK Dream Run, an annual fundraiser supporting small businesses and youth entrepreneurship in Portland's Soul District.

Competitive
Festive
For a Cause

Great for: cause-driven runners, runners who like a competitive edge

Less ideal for: walkers-only pacing

The MLK Dream Run in Portland, OR, is an annual event that deeply supports its community. This race serves as a fundraiser for the Soul District, dedicated to fostering small business growth and empowering youth entrepreneurship. Participants can choose from 5K, 10K, and 15K distances, all contributing to a vital cause. The event extends beyond race day with a vibrant Saturday experience featuring live music, a vendor market, and community networking, creating a truly engaging atmosphere for all.

What to expect

Enjoy a full Saturday experience with live music, a vendor market, and community networking.
Run 5K, 10K, or 15K on Sunday, followed by post-race music, raffles, and the Soul-Ful Vendor Village.
Receive a Nike race t-shirt, swag bag, cold beverage, and a fresh grilled cheese sandwich.

Standout details

Annual Soul District fundraiser
Supports youth entrepreneurship
Soul-Ful Vendor Village
Fresh grilled cheese for finishers

Auto-drafted from the public listing — confirm details on the official event page before signing up.

Distances & registration

3 options

Registration for all distances is through the official signup link above.

5K
Sun, Sep 20, 8:20 AM PDT · From $43.65
Opens Sep 29, 2025, 9:00 PM PDT · Closes Sep 3, 2026, 7:59 PM PDT
10K
Sun, Sep 20, 8:10 AM PDT · From $54.25
Opens Sep 29, 2025, 9:00 PM PDT · Closes Sep 3, 2026, 7:59 PM PDT
15K
Sun, Sep 20, 8:00 AM PDT · From $64.85
Opens Sep 29, 2025, 9:00 PM PDT · Closes Sep 3, 2026, 7:59 PM PDT

Vibe Check

Steady Effort

Based on terrain, weather, and distance data.

The course

From the organizer

2026 MLK DREAM RUN – REGISTRATION IS OPEN! Saturday & Sunday • September 19–20, 2026 PCC Cascade Campus – Portland, Oregon

Join the MLK Dream Run’s 5K, 10K, and 15K races—an annual Soul District fundraiser that fuels small business growth and uplifts youth entrepreneurship. THIS RACE IS PUT ON BY COMMUNITY TO SUPPORT COMMUNITY. ONLINE REGISTRATION Online registration closes Friday, September 18, 2026 at 12:00 PM (Noon).

EVENT LOCATION Race Start / Finish • Soul-Ful Vendor Village • Entertainment Center Portland Community College – Cascade Campus 705 N Killingsworth St, Portland, OR 97217

Onsite Registration Tent available both days.

PRE-PACKET PICKUP & ONSITE REGISTRATION Saturday, September 19, 2026 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Sunday, September 20, 2026 7:00 AM – 7:45 AM

We strongly encourage all participants to attend Saturday’s Pre-Packet Pickup to avoid long lines on Sunday.

Enjoy the full Saturday experience:

Live music Vendor market Food & beverages Course test-run with the Nike Shakeout Community networking Full activation: 10:00 AM–5:00 PM Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1639520974369?aff=oddtdtcreator

RACE DAY SCHEDULE — SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2026 Warm-Up: 7:00 AM – 7:55 AM Race Start Times:

15K – 8:00 AM SHARP 10K – 8:10 AM SHARP 5K – 8:20 AM SHARP Start/Finish Line Location: PCC Cascade Campus 705 N Killingsworth St, Portland, OR 97217

Course maps will be emailed to all registered participants.

AWARDS & POST-EVENT ACTIVITIES Awards follow USATF guidelines, based on the self-identified gender selected during registration:

Youth (20 & Under) – Male/Female Open (21–39) – Male/Female Masters (40–54) – Male/Female Super Masters (55+) – Male/Female Prizes 🏆 Overall Fastest Male & Female in Each Distance → Receive one Round-Trip Airline Ticket from Alaska Airlines

🥇 Open, Masters & Super-Masters Winners → Win their weight in beverages courtesy of Widmer Brothers

🎒 Youth Category Winners → Receive a special swag bag prize package

All category winners also earn: ✔️ Medal ✔️ Media coverage ✔️ Bragging rights until next year

Finisher Perks Every finisher receives:

Swag bag with sponsored gifts Nike race t-shirt Cold beverage Fresh grilled cheese sandwich courtesy of Dave’s Killer Bread & Tillamook Cheese Entry into raffle drawings from generous local businesses Post-race activities include music, raffle prizes, networking, and our Soul-Ful Vendor Village.

Facebook: facebook.com/MLKDreamRun Instagram: @MLKDreamRun Twitter: MLK Dream Run PDX THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING And thank you for helping us #INVESTINTHESOUL

Stay tuned for our upcoming announcements about 2026 entertainment, vendors, and Soul-Ful Market participants!

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