YOLO Run
When is YOLO Run?
YOLO Run takes place on Saturday, May 16, 2026 in Davis, CA.
What distances does YOLO Run offer?
YOLO Run offers 4 events: 2K Run/Walk, 5K Run/Walk, 10K Run, Virtual Run/Walk.
| Event | Distance | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2K Run/Walk | 1.25 mi | $36.00 | Register |
| 5K Run/Walk | 3.1 mi | $55.00 | Register |
| 10K Run | 6.2 mi | $55.00 | Register |
| Virtual Run/Walk | — | $55.00 | Register |
How much does YOLO Run cost?
Registration for YOLO Run starts at $36.00. Prices vary by event distance.
Where is YOLO Run held?
YOLO Run is held in Davis, CA at Bob Foster Team Center.
About YOLO Run
You Only Live Once, so join us for the YOLO Run for a morning of sunshine that benefits children and families. UC Davis Children's Hospital and the NEC Society are teaming up on May 16th because it's Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) Awareness Day.
Join us on the football field on May 16, 2026, at the UC Davis Health Stadium in Davis, California! Choose your distance and get ready to start and finish your race in the Stadium at the second annual YOLO Run, presented by the NEC Society and UC Davis Children's Hospital.
NEC is an intestinal disease that can affect medically fragile infants during their first weeks and months of life. UC Davis Children's Hospital provides lifesaving care for babies at risk of NEC, and the NEC Society is the world's leading nonprofit advancing NEC research, education, and advocacy. Yolo County locals, Jennifer and Noah Canvasser, launched the NEC Society after tragically losing their son, Micah, to the disease. By teaming up with UC Davis Children's Hospital, the Canvasser family and NEC Society are building a world without NEC. Join us for the YOLO Run to support this work!
Interested in sponsoring the YOLO Run? Email Jennifer@NECsociety.org
Want to learn more about NEC? Check out NECsociety.org
Race Day Info
- Race start time: 8:00 a.m.
- Registration fee includes a YOLO Run finisher's medal and shirt. Entries received after May 2 may not receive desired shirt size.
- Bib pick up will open at 6:45 a.m. on race morning. Arrive no later than 7:30 a.m. to check-in.
- Parking is available on campus in lot adjacent to the stadium.
Course Maps
- Check out the YOLO Run 10K course
- Check out the YOLO Run 5K course
- Check out the YOLO Run 2K course
Post-Race
- 2025 YOLO Run photos by Facchino Photography available here
- 2025 Race Results: View 2025 results here
FAQs
Can I bring my dog/pet?
We love all animals, but only certified service animals can join the YOLO Run. Thanks for understanding!
Are strollers allowed?
Yes, strollers are allowed, but please start in the back.
Where should I park?
You can park in the lot at the UC Davis Football Stadium.
What time should I arrive on May 16?
If you pick up your packet from Fleet Feet Davis on May 15, please arrive by 7:30am. If you plan to pick up your packet at the UC Davis Football Stadium on May 16, please arrive by 6:45am.
Will I receive a medal or a shirt?
Yes! All finishers will receive a locally made medal from Brazen Racing. All participants will receive their YOLO shirt in their race packets.
What times do the different races start?
The 10K and 5K start at 8am on May 16. The 2K starts at 8:10am.
What is the YOLO Run course?
Check out the YOLO Run 10K course
Check out the YOLO Run 5K course
Check out the YOLO Run 2K course
Are there prizes for the YOLO Run?
YES! Top finishers will receive $100 gift cards to Fleet Feet.
Will there be food/drink?
No food/drink for purchase, but we'll have light refreshments.
Will there be water stations along the course?
Yes, we'll have two water stations along the 10K/5K course.
Where and when is packet pick-up?
You can pick up your packet at Fleet Feet on Friday, May 15, or at the UCD Football Stadium on Saturday, May 16 at 6:30am.
Why are you hosting the YOLO Run?
Great question! Jennifer & Noah Canvasser lost their son, Micah, to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). NEC is a devastating intestinal disease that can affect infants in their first weeks and months of life. May 17 is NEC Awareness Day. The UC Davis Children's Hospital NICU and NEC Society work together to build a world without NEC by advancing research, education, and advocacy. The YOLO Run helps to propel the urgent work to protect infants from necrotizing enterocolitis.