Event Description

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 Overview
The 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 5K
Event Agenda
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Ottawa Park | Toledo, Ohio

🎤 Event Emcees
Dr. Valerie Walston & Dr. Ashley Benson

 
7:30 AM – Registration Opens
On-site registration and packet pick-up
Vendor Village opens
DJ begins music and entertainment
8:00 AM – Welcome & Opening Ceremony
Hosted by: Dr. Valerie Walston & Dr. Ashley Benson

Opening Remarks

Dr. La'Shardae Scott, DSW, MSW, CHES, CHW
President & CEO, Scott Center for Observation, Treatment and Transition (S.C.O.T.T.)
8:05 AM – Platinum Sponsor Recognition
Our 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 Ceremony
Community Partner Honorees

Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Sickle Cell Warrior of the Year

Ty'Kela Smith
Sickle Cell Warrior of the Year 2026 Award

Cheryl L. Jones
Lifetime Achievement Award

Presented to Judge Myron Duhart
Honoring the Duhart Family "Winged Warriors Tribute"
Acceptance remarks are limited to two (2) minutes per honoree.

8:35 AM – Proclamation Presentations
Senator Paula Hicks-Hudson
State Representative Erika White
8:40 AM – Greetings from the City of Toledo
Special Message from Toledo City Council
8:43 AM – Special Performances
Performance by the Fred D. Cheerleaders
Special Performance by our Surprise Guest Artist
"Lift Every Voice and Sing"
8:50 AM – BRB Race Warm-Up
Guided group stretch
Race instructions
Safety announcements
Participants 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 Drawings
Must be present to win!

12:00 PM – Closing Remarks
Thank 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. 💜🩸