Step Up, Stand Out, and Celebrate: What to Expect at Our 5K & WDSD Festival
Our upcoming 5K and World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) celebration is more than just a race — it’s a day filled with inclusion, joy, and community. Join us March 21, World Down Syndrome Day, as we come together to celebrate ability, acceptance, and the incredible individuals who make our community strong.
The 5K begins at 2:00 PM, with registration opening at 1:00 PM, giving everyone time to check in, get settled, get their swag, and soak in the excitement before the starting line. Our 1 Mile event will start at 3:00pm with our Dash for Down syndrome taking off at 3:30pm. Be sure to stay for our awards ceremony and WDSD celebration to follow!
A Course Designed for Everyone
This year’s course was intentionally planned to be welcoming and accessible for participants of all abilities. The route at Cauley Creek Park is flat and easy to navigate, following a smooth rubberized trail that’s gentle on runners, walkers, strollers, and wheelchairs alike!
Along the way, you’ll find:
- Dog waste stations for participants bringing their four-legged supporters
- Cheer squads stationed throughout the route to keep energy high
- Volunteers from the Atlanta Track Club, serving as running buddies for individuals with Down syndrome and offering encouragement along both the 5K and the Mile. (You can sign up for a buddy when you register)
This event is about finishing together — not finishing first.
A Shirt with Meaning
This year’s race shirt carries a special message rooted in the Down syndrome community.
The design highlights three socks, symbolizing the three copies of the 21st chromosome that define Down syndrome. Wearing crazy socks on World Down Syndrome Day is a global tradition, and we love seeing our community step out in bright colors and bold patterns. We’re so excited to share that every participant will be gifted a pair of crazy socks (courtesy of Beazer Homes) to wear during the event to highlight that being different can be beautiful and unique.
We’re also proud to spotlight the talented artists behind this year’s design: GiGi Prep participants, Kendall, Katie, and Myles. Their creativity helped turn this shirt into something truly meaningful — a wearable reminder of acceptance, individuality, and celebration.
Stay for the World Down Syndrome Day Festival
Once you cross the finish line, the celebration continues with our WDSD festival — a lively gathering full of food, fun, and community partners.
We’re thrilled to welcome:
- Candidly Kind – Grace Key is coming back to town with her custom shirts!
- King of Pops serving their famous handcrafted popsicles courtesy of GiGi’s Playhouse Atlanta
- Brightside Café with delicious beverages and snacks served by empowered employees with special needs
- Children Helping Children, climb aboard their Love Train for activities, compassion, and fun!
Activities for All Ages
Bring the whole family and enjoy:
- Face painting
- Inflatables
- Cornhole and lawn games
Whether you want to relax or burn off post-race energy, there’s something for everyone.
Entertainment to Keep the Party Going
The stage will be full of movement and music celebrating World Down Syndrome Day! Our schedule of entertainers is as follows:
- 4:00 Atlanta Dance Central – teen Physio Jazz dance group performance followed by their adult group
- 4:15 Angels Among Us Cheerleaders bringing spirit and excitement
- 4:30 A high-energy Zumba session led by our own Elisha McKenzie, a certified instructor who also has Down syndrome
- 4:40 Performances from GA Tech’s Down to Dance, celebrating confidence, expression, and joy through dance
- DJ keeping the mood high!
Join Us on March 21 — Register Today
World Down Syndrome Day is a time to stand up for inclusion, celebrate individuality, and show the world what acceptance looks like in action.
Whether you plan to run, walk, cheer, or simply celebrate with us at the festival, your participation helps us continue providing life-changing programs and opportunities for individuals with Down syndrome in our community.
We can’t wait to see you at the starting line on March 21!
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