4 running, walking, cycling, and other events in Athens, Ohio

Sadie’s Sunshine Squad 5K

March 21, 2026 | World Down Syndrome Day (3.21)

Lace up your sneakers and join us for a joyful, family-friendly 5K celebrating inclusion, community, and one amazing little girl—Sadie 💛

Hosted by Sadie’s Sunshine Squad, this event brings people together to honor World Down Syndrome Day and support awareness, acceptance, and advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome.

Whether you run, walk, push a stroller, or cheer from the sidelines, every step matters.

Event Highlights

✔️ Popsicles for all participants

✔️ BBQ food truck

✔️ Photo Booth fun

✔️ Custom 3D prints

✔️ Music, smiles, and sunshine vibes

✔️ 100% family-friendly

👟 All ages and abilities welcome

🎽 Shirts and or Socks available with registration

♾️ Proceeds support Down syndrome awareness and community efforts

Come for the walk/run. Stay for the joy.

Run for inclusion. Walk for love. Celebrate the extra chromosome.

**no affiliation with with American Red Cross

Join us at "Ohio's Longest Continuously Run Marathon" - 2026 will be the 59th year! Our Half marathon has run for 33 years. Start corner of South College Street and East Union Street on Sunday, April 19, 2026 at 8:00 AM. Both races will be on the scenic Hockhocking Adena Bikeway which is fast and flat, before finishing on Ohio University's track at Pruitt Field. Both courses are USATF certified and well-marked; the Full Marathon is a Boston Qualifier Race!

GETTING YOUR TEAM SIGNED UP

Team Captains, simply register your team and pay the entry fee to get started. To bring your teammates on board, use the "Add Another Registrant" button—don't worry, you won't be charged extra for adding them.

Have this info ready for each teammate:

• Name & Address

• Date of Birth

• Shirt Size

For all event information, including event schedule, visit Ohio Race For A Reason website.

Event Details

Join the Friends of Athens CASA for our 13th Annual Superhero 5k!! Our family-friendly event includes a kids' obstacle course, a bounce house, crafts, and more. Just like in the past, registered Superheroes will receive the best swag around --> Exclusive Superhero5k Cape, "Why I Run..." Bib and maybe even a surprise or two. Race materials are available for pick up during check-in at the Superhero 5k.

Can't make it to Athens on race day? You can run, walk, roll, peddle, paddle, roller skate, or swim your 5k wherever you are... remember to tag us and post using #AthensCASA5k. Most of all, you still mark your support of the 100+ children in Athens County who rely on Athens CASA to protect their best interests.

For those joining us in person on race day, check-in begins at 9 am with activities and games for kids, including a bounce castle, face painting, and crafts. The youth obstacle course will start at 10 am and the 5K run/walk start immediately after around 10:15 am. There will be CASA merchandise available for purchase. If public health circumstances change and it is no longer safe to hold an in-person gathering, the event will revert to 100% virtual. No refunds will be given.

This year's race is more important than ever as Athens CASA, along with many victim-serving organizations in Ohio, faced back-to-back federal funding cuts. At the same time, new referral rates continue to soar. Please join the effort to support and protect our kids... and do it with friends!

Sponsor the Superhero 5k

Make the Superhero 5k an even bigger success and invest in a partnership with us! Not only do you get to jump to the front of the line in supporting local children who've been abused and neglected, but you can take advantage of unique and creative promotional opportunities offered through our partnership program. Learn more and enroll as a sponsor/partner by clicking here or connecting with us at [email protected].