2026 5K News
Despite a similar 5K event taking place in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Mita’s Foundation and DJ Gato (Javier Alducin) had a great turnout at the city’s original, Hispanic-led Day of the Dead (El Día de Los Muertos) 5K Fun Run on Oct. 24, 2026, at LaFortune Park. Participants channeled their “spirit animal” (matching this year’s axolotl logo) to celebrate Hispanic culture while supporting a great cause to help children locally and globally.
The family-friendly event brought together fitness, culture and service, with proceeds benefiting Christa McAuliffe Elementary School and Mita’s Foundation’s work with children in Peru. Activities includedmusic by DJ Gato, face painting by NAME, bounce house by NAME and refreshments (tamales and hot chocolate generously donated by El Patron Cocina Mexicana).
Mayor Jörg Nigge of Celle, Germany—one of Tulsa’s sister cities—kicked off the event, and was joined by Celle’s deputy mayor NAME and council representative NAME. Their presence celebrated the friendship and cultural connections between the two communities.
Mita’s Foundation CEO/President Tina Peña expressed her gratitude to all who participated, helped and sponsored the event. She said, “quote goes here”
PHOTO COLLAGE
2026 WINNERS OVERALL
1st Place
Male: CJ Morrison — 16:07
Female: Elitzel Beltran — 31:29
2nd Place
Male: Carrington Hessen — 13:03
Female: Zoe Alducin — 47:51
3rd Place
Male: Jesus Flores — 20:21
Female: Marli Littlejohn — 48:43
PARTICIPANTS
There were 139 total participants, including virtual participants from Hawaii, STATE and STATE. The ages of all participants ranged from 8-86. Children from Christa McAuliffe Elementary School and students from Kingstreet Boxing Gym showed their enthusiasm for this event’s mission to benefit other children and students who are less fortunate than them.
SPONSORS
Mita’s Foundation and DJ Gato are grateful to the sponsors who made the 2025 5K event possible:
GOLD SPONSORS
- Allstate – John Croisant
- State Farm – Layton Biconovsky
SPONSORS
- American Airlines Latin Diversity Network
- Betsy Lewallen, Real Estate Agent
- Brook Restaurant and Bar
- David Nelson
- El Patron
- Los Machetes
- Mr. All In One
- New Generations Construction LLC
- Oklahoma Eagle
- Peruanos en Tulsa
- Regent Bank
- SaintLU Coffee
- Tulsa Flyer
MEDIA ALBUM AND MORE INFORMATION
See more photos and video clips of the 2026 5K event at: https://photos.app.goo.gl/byZVZabHDcyhoCSw8
Mita’s Foundation and DJ Gato are excited to co-host the 5K again next year. So, save the date for Saturday, Month Day, 2027! For more information about the Day of the Dead 5K Run, or to donate and sponsor, please contact Tina Peña, CEO/President of Mita’s Foundation, via phone at (918) 381-8610 or email at MitasFoundationTulsa@gmail.com.
