Over the past 12 years, the Run for the Ring 5K & Kids Fun Run has brought together Barbara Davis Center patients, loyal type 1 supporters, and running enthusiasts to run for the brass ring – the cure for type 1 diabetes. All proceeds from the Run for the Ring will support the efforts and programs of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation, the fundraising arm of the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes focusing on patient support, awareness, and research.
Run for the Ring features two different races. Runners, walkers, and strollers can participate in the professionally-timed 5K around the CU Anschutz Medical Campus. Runners of all levels and ages are welcome! Kids ages 2-10 can also participate in the Kids Fun Run, zooming around the Kids Zone while parents and loved ones cheer, high-five, and spray them with squirt guns. Before the Fun Run, kids are free to play in bounce houses, mazes, and other fun outdoor activities also featured in the Kids Zone. Whether you’re an avid runner or a parent looking for a fun family outing, you’re sure to enjoy yourself at Run for the Ring!
*Children under the age of 2 can attend the event for free and do not require registration.
Registration for both the 5K and Fun Run includes breakfast bites, timing chip (5K only), race bib, and Run for the Ring performance t-shirt. Those with type 1 diabetes will also have the option of receiving a special “I’m the 1” t-shirt, and all participants can decorate a back bib that says “Running for my 1” to honor their type 1 loved one! Must register by July 11, 2026 to guarantee a shirt. Top individual runners, teams, and fundraisers will also be recognized in the awards ceremony.
BACK AGAIN FOR THE SECOND YEAR
If you're unable to come to the event, try our Virtual 5K option! Run in your neighborhood, a local park, or your favorite trail anytime the week leading up to race day. Then tag us @cdfdiabetes in your social posts with #RunForTheRing2026 so we can see!
Running not your thing? Our Sleep-In Registration allows you to donate to the cause without participating on event day, and includes a Run for the Ring performance t-shirt (mailed to the participant).
Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Please bring another adult to watch your children while you are running.
Friday, July 31, 2026
Location TBD
Saturday, August 1, 2026
Registration begins at 7 a.m.
5K begins at 8 a.m.
Kids Zone opens at 8 a.m.
Kids Fun Run begins after the 5K Awards Ceremony
Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes
CU Anschutz Medical Campus
1775 Aurora Court
Aurora, Colorado 80045
Paid parking is available
Aug 01, 2026
Distance — 5K
Type — Running
08:00
$35.00
Aug 01, 2026
Distance — Sleep In
Type — Running
08:00
$37.00
Aug 01, 2026
Distance — 5K
Type — Running
08:00
$37.00
Aug 01, 2026
Distance — Kids Fun Run
Type — Running
10:00
$12.00
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for August in Aurora.
Learn more about the host city, Aurora.
Aurora is a city of about 400,000 of the Denver Metropolitan Area in the western U.S. state of Colorado. The city lies immediately east of Denver in Arapahoe, Adams, and Douglas counties. In 2008 it was named the "All American City."
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