The Pocket
Run 5K™
Supporting Right To Play Rwanda.
Founded by Canadian Olympian Duan Asemota.
Meet the Founder
From Ajax. Olympian. Canadian National Champion.
The Pocket Run was not born from a medal, a title, or a finish line.
It was born in Rwanda.
In November 2025, Duan traveled there as a Right To Play Ambassador and saw how sport can give children confidence, joy, and hope. The Pocket Run 5K is his way of bringing that message home.
In November 2025, Duan Asemota traveled to Rwanda as a Right To Play Ambassador. Not as a tourist, but as someone who wanted to understand what sport actually means to children who need it most. What he found changed the way he saw everything.
He saw children light up through play. He saw confidence build in classrooms and schoolyards. He saw how movement could give a child something that no curriculum could teach: the belief that their future could be bigger than their circumstances.
That experience stayed with him on the flight home.
The Pocket Run 5K is his answer to that trip. A race in the city that raised him, built to send something back to the children who inspired him.
"I believe in you. You can do this." — Duan Asemota
Why This Run Exists
In November 2025, Duan traveled to Rwanda as a Right To Play Ambassador and saw firsthand how sport can give children confidence, joy, and hope. That experience is the reason The Pocket Run 5K exists. This is not a generic charity tie-in.
Net proceeds from The Pocket Run 5K will support Right To Play programming in Rwanda through Right To Play Canada.
"This is not a generic charity tie-in. This is the reason the event exists."
The Race Experience
Everything you need for a complete race day, from start line to celebration.
The Fastest 40
After the 5K, registered runners and spectators can test their speed in a 40-yard dash hosted by Canadian Olympian Duan Asemota. Timed by OVR Performance, The Fastest 40 brings the community onto the track-style stage for a fun, competitive race day moment.
Open to all registered bib holders. Giveaways on race day.
Join the WaitlistRace Route
5KM along the Rotary Waterfront Trail, Ajax, Ontario. Flat, scenic, and right on the water.
Event Day Schedule
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7:30 AMCheck-In & Bib Pickup
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8:30 AMOpening Ceremony Deputy Mayor of Ajax giving opening remarks
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9:00 AMRace Start Gun Time
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10:30 AMThe Fastest 40 40 Yard Dash Challenge · Timed by OVR Performance
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11:30 AMAwards & Closing
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12:00 PMPost-Race Social
The Impact We're Building
Partnership Opportunities
Partner with an Olympian-led community event that gives back to Rwanda. Your brand alongside a story worth telling.
Interested in partnering? Download our sponsor brief or contact us.
Download Sponsor BriefBuilt on Legitimacy
- Permit confirmed with the Town of Ajax
- Official charity partner: Right To Play Canada
- Founded by Canadian Olympian Duan Asemota
- Ajax-based community event on the Rotary Waterfront Trail
- CRA Registered Charity: 888804218RR0001
- Sponsor deck available on request
- Contact: info@thepocketrun.ca
Partner With The Pocket Run
The Pocket Run gives brands a community platform connected to sport, wellness, youth impact, livestream content, and Right To Play Rwanda. Partners receive race day visibility, digital content, on-site activation opportunities, and a connection to a story people can feel.
Frequently Asked
Check-in opens at 7:30 AM. The 5K starts at 9:00 AM sharp. We recommend arriving by 8:30 AM to pick up your bib, warm up, and get settled before the start.
Parking is available at Rotary Park and surrounding areas along Lake Driveway West, Ajax. Arrive early as spots fill up on race morning.
Absolutely. You can donate directly to Right To Play Canada through the link on this page. Every dollar goes toward Right To Play programming in Rwanda.
Yes. The event is open to runners and walkers of all levels.
Yes. All participants will receive an official chip time.
Yes, all participants including children need a registered bib.
Net proceeds go to Right To Play programming in Rwanda through Right To Play Canada (CRA #888804218RR0001).
The event runs rain or shine. In the case of severe weather, participants will be notified by email.
Yes. After the 5K, all registered bib holders are eligible to enter the 40 Yard Dash Challenge, timed by OVR Performance. Duan will be competing alongside you.
Yes. The Pocket Run 5K will be professionally photographed and livestreamed. Race day content will be shared across our social channels. Follow @ThePocketRun for coverage.
Yes. Contact info@thepocketrun.ca or request our sponsor brief.
Yes. Sign up through our contact form and indicate you'd like to volunteer.
Media & Livestream
The Pocket Run 5K will be filmed and livestreamed, giving partners, supporters, and community members a way to experience the event beyond race day.
Join the WaitlistContact
- Email info@thepocketrun.ca
- Phone 905-751-4428
- Location Ajax, Ontario
Ready to run? Join the waitlist to be first to know when registration opens.
Join the Waitlist
Net proceeds support
Right To Play Rwanda
Right To Play Canada · CRA: 888804218RR0001
Learn About Right To Play