Shark Stride 5k
Charity 5k for Guatemala Mission Trip
About the Event
When: June 6th, 2026
Where: Bill Frederick Park - Orlando, FL
The Shark Stride 5K is a non-profit event to raise money for the Hands of Esperanza to provide medical services, supplies, and community development in San Cristobal, Guatemala. Entry fee is $35. All funds raised will go directly towards humanitarian aid. Have a great time supporting an amazing cause!
Our Story
Every August, PA students in the Orlando area organize a medical mission trip to Guatemala with a non-profit organization named Hands of Esperanza. Where a group of students and preceptors spend a week providing medical care and health education to underserved communities. Students will travel to rural areas in Guatemala to help those who are unable to receive regular medical care. The individuals of these communities travel long distances to reach our clinic (sometimes with debilitating injuries and ailments). We, as students, are so excited to work with the Guatemalan people to give them the much-deserved care that they need. Not only will we be providing medical services, but we will also work on public preventative health projects in each community. Some examples are installations of properly ventilated wood stoves, water filtration systems, and patient education practices. By implementing these services, we can help prevent some of the common illnesses found in these populations. To fund-raise for this trip, students organize the Shark Stride 5K, an event open to the community. This will be the 5th annual Shark Stride, and we are hoping to make it the biggest yet! Last year, we had over 500 participants in the event, and we would love your support!
Hands of Esperanza has partnered for the past five years with two Guatemalan-based organizations, Living to Serve and Misión Vida Nueva, to serve the local community of San Cristóbal, Guatemala. Each August, Orlando PA students organize and participate in a medical mission trip to provide essential healthcare services to the region.
During this mission, certified medical professionals and PA students deliver basic medical care, health education, and sustainable preventative health initiatives, including water filtration systems and smokeless stoves, to support the local and indigenous populations.
To help fund this mission, students host the annual Shark Stride 5K, a fun and competitive race open to participants of all ages. This year marks our 11th Annual Shark Stride. With over 50 participants last year, we are excited to grow this event and expand our impact. Your support will directly contribute to providing essential medications and supplies for our patients in Guatemala.
For more information, please visit the Hands of Esperanza website below!
Contact Us
We would love to hear from you! Please fill out the form below, and we will get in touch with you in a timely manner.