Sign up link here -
https://runsignup.com/Race/OH/Westerville/DiabetesDash
🎉 7th Annual Diabetes Dash 5K Run/Walk
📅 Sunday, July 20, 2025
📍 Westerville Sports Complex
🕗 8:15 AM – Kids Fun Run | 8:30 AM – 5K Start
Hey friends — it’s Jackie here 💙
I can’t believe we’re already gearing up for the 7th Annual Diabetes Dash. What started as our way of coping after Ryan’s diagnosis has turned into something so much bigger — and I’m beyond grateful for the support this community has shown us over the years.
Whether you’ve been with us since year one or you’re thinking about joining us for the first time — welcome. This day is filled with movement, fun, connection, and most of all, purpose.
👟 Come Run (or Walk!) With Us
We’ll kick things off with the Kids Fun Run at 8:15 AM, followed by the 5K at 8:30 AM.
Whether you’re racing for a personal best or just coming out for a stroll and some sunshine, you’re making a difference. And if you can’t make it in person, we’ve got a virtual option so you can Dash from wherever you are.
Proceeds from the race go to:
Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) – Southern & Central Ohio Chapter
Our scholarship fund for local students living with T1D
💙 We’re awarding TWO $1,000 scholarships this year (thanks to last year’s race!)
🎓 And another $1,000 will be awarded in 2026 to a Westerville senior with T1D
💬 A Little Backstory (Because I Can’t NOT Share)
It was July 23, 2018.
Ryan was just 12. I had that gut feeling something wasn’t right — he was constantly thirsty, always in the bathroom, just… off. We went to the pediatrician and I’ll never forget what she said:
“His blood sugar is over 1,000. You need to pack a bag and head to Children’s.”
My heart sank. I had no idea what Type 1 Diabetes even meant at the time. All I knew was that our world had just changed.
Those first few days in the hospital were a blur of fear, finger pricks, insulin shots, and learning how to keep my kid alive — no sugarcoating it. It was terrifying.
Fast forward to now… Ryan is in college. He’s thriving. He just finished his first year as a collegiate swimmer and manages his T1D mostly on his own (with a few texts from mom, of course 😉).
This disease is relentless — there are no breaks — but it has also brought us an incredible community. And that’s why we do this race. Every step we take together brings us closer to a cure. 💙
🎉 Stick Around for the After-Party!
After you cross that finish line, come hang with us!
📍 The Draft Room – 570 W Schrock Rd, Columbus
⏰ 11:00 AM
🌮 Zapata’s Food Truck + drinks + good company
Please RSVP so we know how many tacos to plan for 👉
https://runsignup.com/Race/DiabetesDash/Page/OurAfterParty
🏆 Awards & Prizes
We’ll be handing out awards for:
Top 3 overall male & female finishers
Top male & female in each age group:
19 & under | 20–29 | 30–39 | 40–49 | 50–59 | 60–69 | 70+
🧥 Limited-Edition Dash Hoodies!
Want to support the race year-round? Grab our official 2025 hoodie — it’s super soft and looks great with everything, I promise.
Athletic heather gray, cozy 50/50 cotton/poly blend
Front pouch pocket
Must be picked up on race day near check-in
Available through June 30
👉 Add it during registration or update your order if you’ve already signed up
📦 Early Packet Pickup
Columbus Running Company – Westerville
📍 50 N State St
🗓 Friday, July 18 (10a–8p) + Saturday, July 19 (10a–6p)
Skip the chaos on race morning — and maybe treat yourself to a new pair of socks while you’re there .
🚗 Parking
There’s plenty of free parking at the Westerville Sports Complex. Overflow is at the Rec Center across Cleveland Ave. Just use the crosswalks, please — we’ve got enough to worry about without frogger traffic 😅
📝 Ready to Sign Up?
👉
https://runsignup.com/Race/OH/Westerville/DiabetesDash
And don’t forget to RSVP for the after-party!
From the bottom of my heart — thank you. For showing up, for supporting families like mine, and for believing in a future without Type 1.
Let’s make this the best year yet.
💙 Jackie
Also check out other Sports events in Westerville, Nonprofit events in Westerville, Kids events & activities in Westerville.
