Runners, walkers, first-timers and longtime race participants are invited to lace up for the 9th Annual Foster The Future 5K/10K Run/Walk on Sunday, Aug. 30 at 8:30 a.m. at Hahamongna Watershed Park, 4550 Oak Grove Drive in La Cañada.

Journey House is the longtime beneficiary of Foster The Future and the organization at the heart of the event’s purpose. Founded in 1983, the Pasadena-based non-profit helps foster youth and former foster youth pursue education, build independence and create successful adult lives.

The story behind Foster The Future is itself rooted in the local foster and adoption community. The race was founded nine years ago by a teenager from the foster system who was adopted by a family in Pasadena while still in high school. He wanted to find a way to give back to foster youth organizations. With support from his family, school and local community, that idea grew into an annual event bringing people together through movement, wellness and service. Foster The Future was created to support Journey House and continues to benefit the organization each year.

This year, organizers hope to welcome 200 runners and walkers.

Participants in the event do not need to be serious runners to take part. Walkers are welcome and the smaller, community-scale setting offers an opportunity for first-time 5K or 10K participants, casual walkers and experienced runners alike to enjoy the morning without the crowds of a large metropolitan race.

Both the 5K and 10K courses travel through the scenic Hahamongna area near JPL and the foothills. Free parking is available. Both distances begin at 8:30 a.m. with race-day registration closing at 8:15 a.m.

For Journey House Executive Director Jesse Aguiar, who will also be running that morning, the event reflects a larger commitment to wellness and possibility for foster youth.

“This event is about wellness, community and possibility. At Journey House, we believe foster youth and former foster youth deserve every opportunity to build healthy, independent, meaningful lives. We’re grateful to everyone who comes out to walk, run and show these young people that their community believes in them,” said Aguiar.

Journey House currently supports more than 300 participants, including approximately 90 students attending colleges and universities. At its recent graduation celebration, Journey House recognized 24 graduates who earned professional certifications and associate, bachelor’s, master’s, law, medical and doctoral degrees.

Those accomplishments are at the heart of the organization’s mission.

Journey House provides emotional support, guidance, mentoring and financial assistance for college and vocational education. Just as importantly, its support does not end at a predetermined age. Foster youth and former foster youth can continue turning to Journey House into adulthood for connection, encouragement and practical support as they pursue education, careers and greater economic stability.

The Foster The Future Run is an opportunity for the broader community to be part of that vision – not by focusing on what young people have been through but by celebrating where they are going.

Community members can participate by running or walking the 5K or 10K, becoming a sponsor or making a tax-deductible donation. Sponsorship information, registration and donation opportunities are available at www.FosterTheFutureRun.com.