Genoa Park is set to turn into a sea of sneakers and remembrance yesterday as more than 2,000 runners, donor families and community supporters converge for Lifeline of Ohio’s Dash for Donation, a family-friendly fundraiser featuring a kids-and-mascots dash, a timed 5K and a one-mile walk. The day blends block-party energy with quiet moments of reflection as transplant recipients, people waiting for organs and donor families share stories and honor the donors whose decisions saved lives. Organizers say the Dash is built to both spotlight the need for organ donation and help fund Lifeline of Ohio’s year-round services.
According to ABC6, organizers expect more than 2,000 runners and walkers to turn out, including donor families, transplant recipients, and patients currently waiting for lifesaving transplants. The station notes the Dash will go on rain or shine, with community members from across central Ohio expected to fill downtown. ABC6 also reports that this is one of Lifeline of Ohio’s biggest fundraising and awareness events of the year.
Race Day Schedule and Registration
Registration opens bright and early at 6:30 a.m., with the Kids & Mascot Dash for children 7 and under starting at 8:00 a.m., the 5K run/walk heading out at 8:15 a.m., and the one-mile Family Fun Walk stepping off at 8:30 a.m., according to the event page on RunSignUp. Packet pick-up is available at Lifeline of Ohio’s office at 770 Kinnear Road in the days leading up to the race, and on race morning at the English Plaza (303 W. Broad St.) from 6:30 to 8:00 a.m. Organizers urge participants to arrive early, especially if they still need their packets, and note that parking will be available in the COSI lot along with nearby pay lots.
Where the Money Goes
Every registration fee and donation from the Dash goes straight back into Lifeline of Ohio’s programs, including educational outreach, donor-family aftercare and upkeep of the Donor Memorial, according to the organization’s fundraising materials. Lifeline says these funds help keep a two-year bereavement program running, along with monthly mailings and legacy-building opportunities for families who lost a loved one to donation. Details on how to contribute or sponsor the event are available through Lifeline of Ohio.
About Lifeline of Ohio
On its website, Lifeline of Ohio describes itself as “an independent, non-profit organization” that “promotes and coordinates the donation of human organs and tissue for transplantation.” The group is designated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services as the organ procurement organization for its region and serves 97 hospitals and facilities across 38 Ohio counties and two counties in West Virginia.
There is still time to jump in. Online registration remains open, and race-morning signups are available for last-minute participants, while virtual runners and walkers can take part on their own schedule and still support the cause, per the RunSignUp event listing. Volunteers or anyone with questions are encouraged to keep an eye on the event page for the latest race-day details and updates.
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