Our 2025 Dash for Down Syndrome will forever go down in history as the soggiest but most joyful celebration!

The rain may have poured from beginning to end, but it never stood a chance against the spirit of this community because in the middle of the downpour, joy took root and bloomed. Smiles sprinkled throughout Kauffman Park and kindness soaked through every step of the course. What we created together was something no forecast could predict: a beautiful, unstoppable movement for acceptance, inclusion, and love.

We are overflowing with gratitude for every single person who played a part in making this day so special. To our amazing team of volunteers, thank you for your time, your heart, and your hands. To Jay and Run The Land, and the Lakewood Police Department—thank you for keeping our 3.21-mile route running smoothly and safely.

To our sponsors, thank you for believing in our mission and making this all possible: Nordson Corporation, Lakewood Public Library, Voodoo Tuna, LORCO Data, Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Trikeable Treats, Kesselman Wealth Management, Theatre Agape, First National Bank, Empower Sports, and Cleveland Clinic.

We are also so grateful to our community partners who joined us amidst the rain: Best Buddies, DSANEO, and Connecting for Kids. To Glitter Girlz Nation for adding sparkle, to LHS Cheer for their constant energy and encouragement, and to our friend Johnny for a powerful performance of the National Anthem, thank you for making the day extra memorable.

And of course, thank you to our incredible Event Committee whose dedication brought this day to life.

To everyone who participated, donated, or cheered from afar, and stuck with us despite the rain - your support means everything. We are proud to share that not only did we have the most participants registered (1,095!) across our entire network of 62 Playhouses, but we also raised over $157,000 to support our free, purposeful programming. Our Dash team links will stay open and active throughout June and July!

We are beyond grateful for our community who weathers any and every storm. Know we will forever be alongside you - through joy, through challenges, and through every unexpected downpour life brings our way.

We will add the link on our event page to view our event photographs as soon as they become available! Thank you to Markus Photography!