Dash for Down Syndrome

The Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte (DSAGC) will hold this year’s 3-2-1 Dash for Down Syndrome 5K, one-mile fun run and family festival on Saturday, 3/21, which is also World Down Syndrome Day.  This event raises funds for Down syndrome cognitive research and Down syndrome educational programs in the greater Charlotte area. 

March 21 – 3/21 – is World Down Syndrome Day and this event’s title is the 3-2-1 Dash for Down Syndrome because both are in recognition of the three copies of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.

The “3” and “21” also play a unique role in the 5K.  One of the most memorable aspects about this race will be the "extra"... just like people who have Down syndrome have an extra copy of the 21st chromosome, the run will have an extra finish line: the basic run course is the usual 5K/3.1 miles.  However, if participants run an extra .11 miles to the second finish line, they will have run a 3.21 mile race!  The runners will be greeted at that second finish line by local people with Down syndrome and their families who benefit from the DSAGC and its services.

The 5K begins at 8:30 a.m., while the fun run begins at 9:30 a.m.  New this year is the World Down Syndrome Day Celebration, which begins at 10 a.m.  It is free and open to the public.  The festivities include bounce houses, food and photos with “Dash,” the event mascot.

 Last year, nearly 650 runners/walkers participated in the 3-2-1 Dash for Down Syndrome. 

To register, visit http://dashfordownsyndrome.racesonline.com.  Registration and packet pickup opens at 7 a.m. on race day.  Registration for the 5K closes at 8:15 a.m. and registration for the fun run closes at 9:15 a.m.