Run Your Socks off 5K + a little extra

🏃‍♀️ Event Overview

The Down Syndrome Association of SWLA invites you and your family to participate in the Run Your Socks Off 5K +, in honor of World Down Syndrome Day! Our run will not be the traditional 5K (3.1 mile) but will be a 3.21-mile walk/run. The 3.21 represents that individuals with Down syndrome carry 3 copies of the 21st chromosome. So, our route will include that “little something extra”. We have also had a small group of individuals with Down syndrome who have been training to run or walk this event , so this will be their moment to shine and show our community their “capABILITIES”.
We couldn’t think of a better day to host our run but on the weekend before World Down Syndrome Day (3/21) March 22, 2024. We invite all runners or walkers with varying Abilities to join us.

🕒 Race Day Schedule

• 6:30-7:30am: Onsite registration and packet pick up
• Onsite/Day of registration: increases to $40 per runner
• 8:00: Race Begins
• 9:15 approx: Awards

🛣️ Route Description

The flat 3.21-mile route will take you down Ryan St weaving back to the beautiful tree-lined road of Shell Beach Drive and return back to Police Jury Parking Lot.

📦 Packet Pick Up

• Location: Police Jury Parking Lot
• Address: Corner of Lakeshore Dr. & Gill St.
• Date: Saturday, March 22, 2024
• Time: 6:30 am – 7:30 am

⏱️ Electronic Timing & Results

The official timer and scorer for this event is Race Pace Multisport, LLC. Times for this event will be posted in multiple locations:

• Race Registration Website: Runsignup.com
• Near Finish Line
• Email: To participants who provide valid email addresses
• Facebook Page

🏅 Bib Assignments

• Each Runner: issued a bib number at Packet Pick up
• Wear Bib: on the front of the abdominal area throughout the race
• Security: Runners without bib numbers while on course will be removed for security reasons
• Emergency Info: Fill out medical information on the bib

🥇 Age Group Categories & Awards

Awards will be issued to the following categories:

• Overall Male & Female with Down syndrome
• Overall Male & Female
• Overall Masters Advocate (40-49 years) Male & Female
• Overall Grand Masters Advocate (60 years and older) Male & Female

❓ Registration Questions

All registration fees are non-refundable. It will be considered a donation to a great organization. Registrations cannot be transferred nor deferred to alternate year. Day of Registration: $50.00.

👕 Shirts

T-shirt sizes are guaranteed if you register by 11:59 pm on 2/24/2024. Race day registrants are not guaranteed race shirts. T-shirts will be a soft cotton this year and will be the same style for male and female.

🔑 FREE Key Check

Participants have an opportunity to check their keys race day. Bands will be issued in the packet. Place band through key or chain and return to Registration desk. Pick up keys after the race at Finish line.

🔍 Lost and Found

DSASWLA is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Lost items that are found and turned in will be returned to the Registration desk after the event. Contact Race Director via phone (337) 540-5992 or by email dsaswla@dsaswla.org to request your lost item. Items not requested identified or requested by April 1, 2024, will be donated to a local non-profit agency.

🌧️ Weather

The races will be held rain or shine. If there is lightning in the area, the race will either have a delayed start or depending on the intensity of the weather, be canceled. The Race Director will make the determination. If the race is canceled due to inclement weather, or other reasons, your registration fee will be considered a tax-deductible donation to the Down Syndrome Association of SWLA.

🗺️ Directions

From Baton Rouge/Lafayette/Lake Charles:

• Travel west on I-10 towards Texas
• Take Exit 30 B towards Ryan Street (keep right)
• Turn right onto Ryan Street
• Turn right onto Broad Street
• Turn right onto Lakeshore Drive
• Turn right into parking lot south of the civic center

From Texas & Sulphur:

• Travel East on I-10
• Take Exit 29 onto Lakeshore Drive toward the Civic Center
• Take a right on Lakeshore Drive
• Take a right into the parking lot south of the Civic Center

🙌 Volunteers

Volunteers are very much needed. We appreciate your talent and time. Please contact Tina Harris at dsaswla@dsaswla.org or go to https://www.dsaswla.org/volunteer if you or your organization is interested in volunteering.

Volunteer opportunities exist for the following duties:

• Race packet stuffing and organizing
• Race site setup
• Cheer and Hydration stations along race route
• Cleanup

💰 Sponsors

Sponsors are what helps to make this event happen and help to continue our mission. If you are interested in sponsoring this event either monetarily or in the way of an in-kind donation please contact Melanie Sarro at dsaswla@dsaswla.org or call 337-540-5992.

For more information about the event, please visit Run Your Socks Off 5K +.