Celebrate 25 Years of Impact
For the past 25 years, the Dash for Donation has been dedicated to raising awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation. Dash participants gather to honor those who gave gifts through donation, pay tribute to those who received, offer hope to those who continue to wait and remember the lives lost while waiting for the gift of life. Join us at this very special event.
Details
Before the Dash
Participants can pick up their race packets prior to Dash Day at the Lifeline of Ohio office located at 770 Kinnear Rd., Columbus. Packet pickup times will be announced soon!
Day of the Dash
All events begin at 303 W. Broad St. at Genoa Park in Downtown Columbus. The 5K course and Family Fun Walk travel through Downtown Columbus. Kids 6 and under have fun chasing local mascots down the street in a quick dash! There is ample parking in the area.
- 6:30 a.m. Registration Opens
- 8:00 a.m. Kids and Mascot Dash (6 & under)
- 8:15 a.m. 5K Run/Walk
- 8:30 a.m. Family Fun Walk
Frequently Asked Questions
Parking, Food and Water and Hotels Questions
Parking: Parking is available in the COSI lot, or you may also park in any of the surrounding designated parking areas (see all locations here). Please plan to arrive early.
NOTE: The Columbus Food Truck Festival will take place starting at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday (7/13). Please note that parking in the Belle St. garage (under COSI) will only be accessible from Broad Street. A portion of Town St. will be closed due to the festival.
Is there free parking?
Unfortunately, no, but there is convenient parking at COSI and surrounding lots for a fee of $10. For more information, please visit: sciotomile.com/parking.
Are there restrooms/water stations on the route?
There will only be port-a-johns located near the race start/finish. There will be two water stations on the route to keep you hydrated. There will be a limited supply of water available at the start line, so if you need to have water with you at all times, please plan to bring some with you. We will have plenty at the finish line, too!
What type of food do you offer after the race?
Join us on the English Plaza for post-race snacks, including Cheryl’s Cookies, fresh fruit and granola bars. Check out our expo at the finish for other food and giveaways!
Are there hotels in the area?
Yes, the closest hotel in the area is the DoubleTree Suites near Genoa Park. Use this link to book a room.
Race Routes
Pre-Race Registration
When and where do I pick up my race packet?
Lifeline of Ohio office – 770 Kinnear Rd. Columbus, OH 43212.
Wednesday, July 10 – Friday, July 12 – 9:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. each day.
How long will the online registration be available?
Online registration will be open until 7:00 p.m. the day before the race.
Can I register and pick up my packet at the same time?
Yes! Stop by the Lifeline of Ohio office (770 Kinnear Rd., Columbus, OH 43212) during packet pick-up times.
What if I can’t pick up my packet before race day?
You may ask someone else to pick it up for you. If you do, please give them your confirmation so that we have accurate information.
Or, you will be able to pick up your packet onsite at the Genoa Park 303 W. Broad St. Columbus, OH 43215 between 6:30 – 8:00 a.m the day of the race. If other accommodations need to be made, please email us at dash@lifelineofohio.org.
Can I register on the day of the race?
Yes! The registration fee goes up after July 1, but you will still be given a race bib with chipped timing (5K participants only) as long as you are registered by 8:00 a.m. Race day registration opens at 6:30 a.m.
General Race Questions
What is a virtual race?
A virtual race is a race that can be run or walked from any location you choose. You can run or walk wherever you want, whatever distance you want, whenever you want and time it yourself. You can complete the miles alone or safely with others. There is so much freedom to make it your very own Dash!
Can I bring my child in a stroller?
Yes! We would ask that you are careful and considerate around other walkers and runners. If they are six and under and participate in the Kids and Mascot Dash at 8:00 a.m., they need to be registered to receive a medal. If they are not walking or running in either event, they do not need to be registered. For registered participants, the smallest t-shirt available is a youth x-small.
Can I get a shirt if I’m not participating in the race?
Unfortunately, we can only provide a race t-shirt to registered participants. However, limited quantities are available to participants. Quantities and sizes are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so be sure to get to Lifeline of Ohio at 770 Kinnear Rd. Columbus, OH 43212, early to get a shirt!
Am I allowed to bring my dog?
Sorry, animals are not allowed on the route.
Will my time be recorded during the 5K?
All registered 5K participants will receive a race number with chip timing. Timing information will be available on the Dash for Donation website within 24 hours following the race.
Do I have to do a 5K or a 1K?
For those unable to walk or run the 5K, we also offer a Family Fun Walk, an approximate .5-mile loop.
We also offer a virtual race. Join us from anywhere and run or walk any distance!
What if it’s raining?
The event will take place rain or shine!
Family Fun Walk and Mascot Dash
If I’m participating in the 5K, can I see my child participate in the Kids and Mascot Dash?
Yes. The Kids and Mascot Dash begins at 8:00 a.m. The 5K begins at 8:15 a.m. in the same area.
How long is the Mascot Dash?
The Mascot Dash is approximately 100 meters.
Who can participate in the Kids and Mascot Dash?
The Mascot Dash consists of local mascots from the community and children six and under.
How long is the Family Fun Walk?
The Family Fun Walk is approximately .5 miles long.
Team Questions
If I have family members who want to do the Family Fun Walk or Kids and Mascot Dash, can they still be on my team?
Yes, but there is no discounted rate. The individual will need to select the appropriate event type (Family Fun Walk or Kids and Mascot Dash) and then select the team name they would like to be on.
I registered on a team. How do I get my packet?
If you registered on a team, your Team Captain might choose to pick it up and distribute it to you. Your Team Captain will communicate this to you. If you register and join a team after the registration deadline, you will be responsible for picking up your packet individually.
Where and when are team pictures being taken?
We will be sending out the final locations and times before race day to each Team Captain.
How do I create a team during registration?
- Navigate to the Race Page of the race
- Click Sign Up to begin the registration process
- Enter in all participant information and click Continue
- First, you need to create a Fundraiser
- Click Become Fundraiser
- Enter in a name for your Fundraiser
- Enter in a goal for your new Fundraiser
- Add a message to describe your Fundraiser
- Now, you will create the Fundraising Team
- Enter a name for your Fundraising Team
- Enter a goal for your new Fundraising Team
- Add a message to describe your Fundraising Team
- Now select any donation levels that you would like to donate towards your Fundraiser
- Select who this donation will be on behalf of
- Click Continue
- Complete your registration
How do I join an existing fundraising team?
To join an existing fundraising team, select the team you would like to join from the “Fundraising Team” drop-down menu during the third step of your registration process.
How do I create a fundraising team URL?
The option to create a custom “Fundraising Team Page URL” can be found after the fundraising team is formed. Go to your “Profile,” click “My Fundraisers,” and then select “Edit Fundraiser” on the fundraising team. Here you can create a custom “Fundraising Team Page URL,” which allows for easier sharing of your fundraising team page amongst friends and family. Enter in text unique to your fundraising team after “https://runsignup.com/,” and remember that spaces are not permitted in a URL. The URL must contain only alphanumeric characters, underscores (_), or dashes (-).
How do I create a fundraising team image?
The option to upload a “Fundraising Team Image” can be found after the fundraising team is created. Go to your “Profile,” click “My Fundraisers,” and then select “Edit Fundraiser” on the fundraising team. Here you can upload a “Fundraising Team Image” by clicking on “Choose File” and selecting one from your computer.
Celebration Wall Questions
How do I submit my story for the Celebration Wall?
There are several ways for you to submit your completed story for the Celebration Wall. You may email your completed story to us at dash@lifelineofohio.org, mail your completed personal story and a photograph to Juli Kunselman at 770 Kinnear Rd. Columbus, OH 43212, or bring it to the office when you pick up your race packet(s).
Where will my personal story/ Celebration Wall sign be hung up?
Your personal story will be located at the English Plaza race start/finish line at 303 W. Broad Street.
How big can my personal story be?
Due to space limitations, we ask that each story be limited to 400 words and no larger than 12×12 (scrapbook size paper), including pictures.
Fundraising and Contribution Questions
What will my fundraising dollars support?
The funds raised by the 2024 Dash for Donation will support programs that help Lifeline of Ohio save and heal lives through the gift of donation.
Am I required to make a contribution/fundraise?
Contributions are not required, but we encourage you and your Dash for Donation team to set a fundraising goal or to make a contribution.
How do I make a contribution?
Go to https://lifelineofohio.org/dash-for-donation/contribute-to-dash-for-donation/ and click “Contribute Here”
There you will be directed to either select a team’s fundraiser to contribute towards, or you may make a contribution on your own. If you wish to contribute via the mail (please do not send us cash), send checks made out to:
Lifeline of Ohio Organ Procurement. Inc.
P.O. Box 632013
Cincinnati, OH 45263-2013770
ATTN: Contributions
If honoring or memorializing someone, include a message noting their name, and if appropriate, the name and mailing address of any persons you would like us to notify about your monetary gift.
Please indicate if your contribution is in honor/memory of an individual, a race participant, or a race team.
Will my contribution be acknowledged for tax purposes?
Yes, you will receive an acknowledgment for your contribution following the Dash for Donation.
Volunteer
Join us for the Dash as a volunteer! We have volunteer needs from set-up to tear-down! Volunteering at the Dash is a great way to meet people and earn volunteer hours.
Email Molly Craig at mcraig@lifelineofohio.org to sign up to volunteer!
Packet Pick-Up Details
Wednesday, July 10 – Friday, July 12
9:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. each day.
Lifeline of Ohio office
770 Kinnear Road
Columbus, OH 43212