12th Annual Run for the Ring

Join Us for the 12th Annual Run for the Ring 5K & Kids Fun Run!

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.

About the Race

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 Information

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. 

Previous runner? Please sign in using your RunSignUp account before registering for your event. 
 

Packet Pick-Up:

Friday, July 31, 2026

Location TBD

When:

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

Where:

Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes
CU Anschutz Medical Campus
1775 Aurora Court
Aurora, Colorado 80045
Paid parking is available

Create a Team

Creating a team is a ton of fun for everyone! Enjoy race day with your friends, family, or co-workers by making up a unique team name, creating a fun team t-shirt, or wearing matching costumes! Click here to learn more about creating a team for the Run for the Ring 5K & Kids Fun Run.

Become a Fundraiser

The Run for the Ring isn’t just for fun – it also allows you to make a difference for people affected by type 1 diabetes. Not sure where to start fundraising or feeling a little shy about asking for people to support your cause? Click here for some tips for setting up your Run for the Ring fundraising page and sharing it with your friends and family.

Support your type 1 loved one or cheer on your favorite runner with a personalized yard sign honorarium! Purchase one during registration or at the RunSignUp store to see your unique sign displayed on the race course for all to see. You will get to take your honorarium home at the end of race day.

Become a Sponsor

From national companies to local businesses, we appreciate our partners that help build a brighter future for our community. For more details about becoming a sponsor, click on the Sponsors tab in the menu above or contact Mackenzie Atencio at mackenzie@childrensdiabetesfoundation.org.

Join the fun and get your Run for the Ring race gear on! Share photos of your team, family, and friends participating in the 5K Run/Walk, or Fun Run with the T1D community by using #RunForTheRing #ChildrensDiabetesFoundation #BarbaraDavisCenter.  Be sure to include your story, who you are running for and why the Barbara Davis Center is important to you. By sharing your photos with us, you may be featured in our newsletter!

Winners will be recognized at the Awards Ceremony following the 5K. 

New This Year!

The Overall T1D category for both men and women is designed to acknowledge how much more effort can go into exercise and fitness for type 1s, and to celebrate all our T1Ds running the race. Your perseverance each day is inspiring!

The Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes is a world-class facility providing care for adult and pediatric patients and families affected by type 1 diabetes. Additionally, the BDC supports substantial clinical and basic science research programs to delay the onset and ultimately cure this chronic, life-threatening disease. The Barbara Davis Center is one of a few facilities in the world that have research for type 1 diabetes and clinical care in the same facility.

The Children’s Diabetes Foundation raises funds to support the BDC’s groundbreaking research, exceptional patient care, and vital education and support programs for those living with type 1 diabetes. The Barbara Davis Center has worked in partnership with major diabetes organizations throughout the United States to focus on care, education, delaying the onset of type 1 diabetes, and towards the cure.

The Children’s Diabetes Foundation was established by Barbara and Marvin Davis in 1977 in Denver, Colorado. The Foundation’s mission is to raise funds to support the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes, where thousands of patients of all ages from all over the world receive the finest diabetes care available.

About The Guild of CDF

The Guild is the volunteer membership group of the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes. Guild members have the unique opportunity to be involved in program and event committees that make a difference in our community. Members symbolize the spirit of pulling together, accomplishing great things individually and as a team. The Guild, with its more than 300 dedicated members, continues with fundraising efforts in the tireless fight to conquer diabetes. Since its inception in 1979, The Guild has contributed more than $2 million to the Barbara Davis Center.