Donation Essentials Blog
Are you ready for the 23th Annual Donor Dash?
We are back in person dashing for a cause and bringing awareness to organ, eye and tissue donation in the 23rd Annual Donor Dash 5K run/walk! Thousands will join us on Sunday, July 17th at Denver’s Washington Park to honor organ and tissue donors, celebrate transplant recipients and recognize those still waiting for a lifesaving transplant. Take the time to also enjoy the Diaper Dash with your kiddos and honor your loved ones in the Donate Life Memorial Garden.
How can I join in on the celebration? Team registration closes on Sunday, July 10th and online registration closes on Thursday, July 14th. You can also register the morning of the race at the Registration Tent in Washington Park located near Franklin and Mississippi Streets.
We still are looking for volunteers! Want to attend the event but don’t want to run or walk? Please volunteer! We are always looking for race day volunteers to help us make the Donor Dash a success. Check out volunteer opportunities and sign up here. If you can’t help out at the event, we also have volunteer opportunities available the week leading up to the Donor Dash! To sign up for those opportunities, please send an email to donordash@donoralliance.org.
Where does the race take place? The 5K run/walk and Donate Life celebration all take place in Washington Park. The start line is located near S. Franklin St and E. Mississippi Ave. Join us for our program beginning at 9:30am on the stage in the Expo Area. Click here to view the course map.
Where can you park? Parking is available at South High School across E. Louisiana Ave. on the south side of the park (see map above). Transportation assistance will be provided for those who need it from the parking lot to the start line, near E. Mississippi St. and S. Franklin St. You can reserve transportation assistance for those who are unable to make the trek.
Important news about the balloon release: This year we have a beautiful, new element for the program to replace the balloon release. While we recognize that the balloon release has been a longstanding and impactful element of Donor Dash, Donor Alliance has decided to change this part of the program to be in compliance with Denver Parks and Recreation guidelines. We are actively evaluating more environmentally friendly alternatives to respectfully memorialize the heroic donors gave the gift of life. We invite you to participate in some of the other Donor Dash activities to honor your loved one including submitting their name for the Wall of Honor or requesting an Honorary Sign to be placed in the Donate Life Memorial Garden or along the racecourse.
Important times to know:
- 7:00 a.m. Race Day Registration/Packet Pickup
- 8:00 a.m. 5K Runners Start/Expo area opens
- 8:05 a.m. 5K Walkers Start
- 9:15 a.m. Diaper Dash in the Expo Area for ages 3 and younger
- 9:30 a.m. Program Begins at Stage in the Expo Area with speeches from donor family members and transplant recipients
Check out our FAQ page for any additional questions about the race. We look forward to seeing you all there!
Remember, if you can’t attend or volunteer at the Donor Dash this year, you can always show your support by saying Yes to organ, eye and tissue donation year-round. Signing up is easy, just go to donatelifecolorado.org or donatelifewyoming.org, anytime!
