Heal Together: Race For Sickle Cell 5K Run/Walk

The Heal Together: Race for Sickle Cell 5K Run/Walk is an annual event held in Toledo, Ohio, to raise awareness and funding for sickle cell disease. Organized by the Scott Center for Observation, Treatment and Transition, the most recent race took place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Ottawa Park.  Event OverviewThe event serves as a unified effort for families, healthcare professionals, and advocates to support those impacted by sickle cell disease. Purpose: Funding raised supports programming for sickle cell patients, particularly those transitioning from pediatric to adult care.Registration: The entry fee is $25, which included a race t-shirt, swag bag, race bib, and medal.Participation: The 2025 race saw over 200 participants and raised more than $20,000.
Heal Together Race for Sickle Cell 5KEvent AgendaSaturday, September 19, 2026Ottawa Park | Toledo, Ohio
🎤 Event EmceesDr. Valerie Walston & Dr. Ashley Benson
 7:30 AM – Registration OpensOn-site registration and packet pick-upVendor Village opensDJ begins music and entertainment8:00 AM – Welcome & Opening CeremonyHosted by: Dr. Valerie Walston & Dr. Ashley Benson
Opening Remarks
Dr. La'Shardae Scott, DSW, MSW, CHES, CHWPresident & CEO, Scott Center for Observation, Treatment and Transition (S.C.O.T.T.)8:05 AM – Platinum Sponsor RecognitionOur Platinum Sponsors will be recognized for their commitment to advancing sickle cell awareness, advocacy, education, and equitable healthcare.
Platinum Sponsor Welcome Remarks
Each Platinum Sponsor representative will have up to two (2) minutes to address participants.8:15 AM – Community Recognition & Awards CeremonyCommunity Partner Honorees
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.Sickle Cell Warrior of the Year
Ty'Kela SmithSickle Cell Warrior of the Year 2026 Award
Cheryl L. JonesLifetime Achievement Award
Presented to Judge Myron DuhartHonoring the Duhart Family "Winged Warriors Tribute"Acceptance remarks are limited to two (2) minutes per honoree.
8:35 AM – Proclamation PresentationsSenator Paula Hicks-HudsonState Representative Erika White8:40 AM – Greetings from the City of ToledoSpecial Message from Toledo City Council8:43 AM – Special PerformancesPerformance by the Fred D. CheerleadersSpecial Performance by our Surprise Guest Artist"Lift Every Voice and Sing"8:50 AM – BRB Race Warm-UpGuided group stretchRace instructionsSafety announcementsParticipants move to the starting line🏃🏾‍♀️ 9:00 AM – HEAL TOGETHER RACE FOR SICKLE CELL 5K BEGINS!5K Run & Community Walk
 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM🎶 Live DJ Entertainment
🛍️ Vendor Village
🎨 Face Painting
🏰 Bounce House
🍔 Food & Refreshments
💜 Community Health & Resource Fair
👨🏾‍👩🏽‍👧🏾‍👦 Family Activities
 🏅 10:15 AM – Race Awards Ceremony🥇 1st Place Overall🥈 2nd Place Overall🥉 3rd Place Overall🎟️ 11:00 AM – Raffle DrawingsMust be present to win!
12:00 PM – Closing RemarksThank you to our sponsors, partners, volunteers, vendors, participants, and families for making the 2026 Heal Together Race for Sickle Cell 5K a tremendous success.
Together We Heal. Together We Advocate. Together We Save Lives. 💜🩸