Merced, California · Saturday, March 21, 2026
The UC Merced Toloma 5K is a 3.1 miles, 5k, and running event held on Saturday, March 21, 2026. It is located at 5200 N Lake Road in Merced, California.
2026 race registration link.
2026 UC Merced Toloma 5k Registration link
This is our 11th annual event. We do this event to raise awareness about human trafficking and what the Set Free Movement is doing to combat it and to raise funds for this cause. Our local team has started a Fostering Hope ministry that supports those in foster care and the people who work with them. Proceeds will help support the Set Free Movement and Fostering Hope.
This is a fun run so anyone can participate. We have had people of all fitness levels and ages participate. Some run, some jog, some walk- everyone is encouraged to join us.
The event takes place as part of our Freedom Festival that includes pop-ups, food, raffle, kids area, and more. The route is a flat route on roads through nice neighborhoods and along a trail next to a canal.
All registered participants will receive a drawstring bag, t-shirt, and other goodies while supplies last. Participants are eligible for awards for the overall fastest male and female as well as fastest male and female in each of our age categories.
Shirts are guaranteed for everyone who registers by Sept 1. Early bird registration pricing on September 13.
Event details and schedule
5k participants can pick up their bags beginning at 7:30am on Sept 26. The run starts on the west side of the church at 8:30am. There is parking in the church parking lot at the location of the event and along the street in the neighborhood.
The route is along E Tuolumne, Daubenberger, Canal, and Johnson Rd in Turlock.
After your run or walk there will be free water and healthy snacks near the finish line. We encourage you to stick around for the awards and check out the booths. If you want a larger meal after your run/walk there are also food and drinks available for purchase.
We put the "ish" in "ten-ish". Just think of the extra distance as a FREE bonus.
This 12.4-mile course winds through the beautiful Red Hills Recreation Area in the Sierra Foothills. Winter is an amazing time to run in Red Hills. Water-crossings and mud add difficulty to already challenging, technical terrain.
NEW THIS YEAR!! - Giving you options is what DB is all about! This year we have added a second distance, giving you the choice between a 10ish mile or 10ish K event. Whichever distance you pick, you will still be seeing the Swisegoods at our only aid station.