On the right foot
18 fun walks and runs in Dallas-Fort Worth to step up and give back this spring
Dallas-Fort Worth is in full bloom with spring charitable events that let you get outside for a good cause, including walks and runs benefiting the fights against cancer, Alzheimer's, cystic fibrosis, and other diseases and conditions.
There are literally hundreds of walks and runs to choose from, but we'll start you off with 18 big events for April and May. These charitable events in the Dallas-Fort Worth area run the gamut from family-friendly to dog-approved, and all are opportunities to get outside, have fun, and make a difference at the same time.
For more ways to get involved, check out our charity events calendar, part of CultureMap's Charity Guide, which spotlights organizations that make our communities a better place.
Know of a charitable event that deserves the spotlight? Submit it here. You can also submit a charity to be included in our guide.
Texas Trot, April 13
The nearly one-mile fun run on the Lone Star Park horse track is followed by a party with live music, costume contests, and more. It benefits the Victory Therapy Center, which cares for the “physical, mental, and emotional needs of children, adults, veterans, and their families through the healing power of horses.” The fun begins at 2 pm, and tickets start at $39.95 plus registration fees. Lone Star Park, Grand Prairie.
Epilepsy Foundation Texas presents Fort Worth Walk to End Epilepsy, April 13
This family-friendly walk, which starts at Forest Park and goes to the Fort Worth Zoo, benefits the Epilepsy Foundation Texas. The event starts at 8:30 am, and registration starts at $35. Forest Park, Fort Worth.
March of Dimes presents March for Babies, April 13
This three-mile walk supports March of Dimes, which provides programs to educate the medical community and get mothers and their babies the best care possible. A generous donor is matching the first $50 raised by folks who sign up for the event by April 10 (up to $100,000). The event starts at 9 am. Panther Island Pavilion, Fort Worth.
Victory Over Violence 5K, April 13
This run/walk raises money to support survivors of sexual abuse and other violence and “raises awareness of these issues and how they affect women, men and children in our community,” according to organizers. The event begins at 7 am. Prices vary for individuals and teams. Trinity Park Duck Pond, Fort Worth.
Texas Rangers 5K, April 14
This scenic race takes participants through Arlington’s entertainment district and ends at Globe Life Park. Participants can also choose the shorter 1K race, which starts 30 minutes before the main event. Both support the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation, which is dedicated to improving the lives of children in need. The 5K begins at 8 am, and registration starts at $35, with a price increase the day of the race. Globe Life Park, Arlington.
Lupus Foundation of America presents Walk to End Lupus Now, April 20
This walk raises money to fight lupus and raise awareness of the disease, which approximately 1.5 million Americans live with. Check-in begins at 8 am, the run begins at 9 am, the walk follows at 10, and a 1.5-mile route opens at 10:15 am. Registration fee of $30 is included in participants' fundraising goal. The Theatre at Grand Prairie, Grand Prairie.
Active for Autism 5K, April 20
The 5K and one-mile run raise money and awareness for the DYLAN Foundation, which supports families of children with autism by providing funds for therapy, medical intervention, and a respite house. The event begins at 8:30 am. Registration fees vary, and fundraising is encouraged. Katherine Rose Memorial Park, Mansfield.
AT&T Byron Nelson Forest to Fairway 5K, April 27
The inaugural Forest to Fairway 5K from AT&T Byron Nelson benefits Momentous Institute, which specializes in children’s social-emotional health. The race, taking place in Dallas' Great Trinity Forest, is just one part of the iconic golf tournament, which draws some of the biggest names in the profession and also hosts opens for active, retired, reserve, and wounded military personnel. Registration is $10 for the Youth 5K and starts at $35 for the 5K.5850 Elam Rd. in Dallas.
More Than Pink Walk, April 27
Susan G. Komen Greater Fort Worth hosts this spring walk (an evolution from the old Race for the Cure) to fight breast cancer, with a target of cutting the number of deaths by 50 percent in 2026. The opening ceremony takes place at 8:30 am, followed by the walk and a celebratory party in the park. Registration starts at $20. Clearfork, Fort Worth.
Dallas Corporate 5K, May 2
Participants representing businesses of all sizes will take part in the 2019 Dallas Corporate 5K, which benefits United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. There will be entertainment and food from top chefs in Dallas before and after the race. The event starts at 7 pm, and pricing starts at $29. Trinity Groves, Dallas.
March of Dimes presents March for Babies, May 4
Local participants will join thousands of people walking across the country to support March of Dimes, which provides programs to educate the medical community and get mothers and their babies the best care possible. The Dallas March of Dimes event starts at 9 am. Signing up is free, but they do ask that participants make a personal donation and/or fundraise. The Lawn at Reunion, Dallas.
Council for Life 10th Annual 5K Run for Life, May 4
Taking place at the Continental Bridge, the run benefits two organizations that focus on adoption, BraveLove and Buckner Children and Family Services. Renowned physical fitness leader Dr. Kenneth H. Cooper and his wife, Millie, will serve as this year's honorary chairs. The family-friendly event includes food trucks, live musi, and more. The event begins at 8:30 am, and pre-registration is $35. Trinity Groves, Dallas.
SPCA of Texas presents Strut Your Mutt, May 11
Join more than 3,000 folks and their fury friends in the fight to end animal cruelty by participating in this 5K timed run or 3K fun run/walk. The event begins at 8:30 am, and registration starts at $35. Trinity Groves, Dallas.
Mimosa Run, May 11
You read that correctly. The fifth annual affair features a two-mile social run or walk and a four-mile race benefiting Mothers' Milk Bank of North Texas, brunch, and, as previously stated, mimosas. Festivities begin at 8:30 am, and pricing begins at $50. Panther Island Pavilion, Fort Worth.
Children’s Medical Center Plano presents Red Balloon Run & Ride, May 11
This annual 5K supports Plano-based Children’s Health, one of the largest pediatric healthcare providers in the country. There are numerous ways to participate: 1K fun run or walk; 5K walk or run; and 5K-, 23-mile, 36-mile, 57-mile, 72-mile bike rides. The fun starts at 8:45 am, and tickets start at $5. Participants are encouraged to donated at least $100. Children's Medical Center at Legacy, Plano.
Trash Dash 5K, May 11
This event hosted by the Environmental League combines running, exercise, and taking care of the environment. The timed, three-mile race through the woods includes 10 stations where runners can stop and do a simple exercise (think jumping jacks or squats), or they can avoid that by simply dropping off a piece of litter as they pass by (this is called plogging). The Trash Dash supports Environmental League school chapters, and the fun starts at 8:30 am, with entry fees starting at $35. Fair Oaks Park, Dallas.
Cystic Fibrosis Foundation presents Fort Worth Great Strides, May 19
This event raises awareness of and supports the fight to cure cystic fibrosis, a rare and genetic disease that makes it difficult to breathe and shortens lives. The walk, which benefits the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, begins at 8 am, and participants can register family members when signing themselves up. Admission is free. Panther Island Pavilion, Fort Worth.
Unforgotten Heroes Memorial Day Run, May 27
The 6th Annual Unforgotten Heroes Memorial Day 5K and 10K honors fallen American service members and benefits the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 157 in Arlington. Event begins at 8 am, with registration costs varying by age and event. Globe Life Park, Arlington.