AABB Foundation 5K Run/1-Mile Walk/Sleep-in for Research

Join us in Atlanta for the Run for Research at the 2026 AABB Annual Meeting. 

Every registration raises awareness and support for research initiatives that advance blood and biotherapies and help patients and donors worldwide! 

In-Person (Oct. 26)

How many miles is a 5K? A 5K is considered 3.1 miles.

 
When and where do I retrieve my packet and shirt? Packet and t-shirt pick-up is on Saturday, Oct. 25, at the San Diego Convention Center. Race Day is at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26, at a designated course near the Convention Center. The timed race ends at approximately 8:30 a.m. or when the last participant finishes.

 
How do I create a team? During registration, you can create a team name. Share your team’s name with friends, family, and others so when they go to register, they can be part of your team.  
 
  
How do I join a team? During registration, answer "Yes" for the question, "Would you like to join a Team?" Click Continue and select the group/team you would like to join from the drop down menu.
 

 
How do I track my time and distance? You will time yourself and can track your time on your phone, watch, or any fitness device of your choice. There are several apps for tracking distance available for Android and Apple iOS. Click here for a list of suggested apps.

Do I need to submit my time? It’s not required that you submit your time, but if you would like to appear in the online results, as well as be able to access your finisher certificate, you will need to submit your time.  

How do I print my bib and finisher certificate? Once you register, go to your profile page and scroll down to the event listed. On the right, click “View Digital Bib.” Once you submit your time after completing the race, find your name in the Results, click Your Name, then click Certificate. 

How do I create a team? During registration, you can create a team name. Share your team’s name with friends, family, and others so when they go to register, they can be part of your team. 

How do I join a team? During registration, answer "Yes" for the question, "Would you like to join a Team?" Click Continue and select the group/team you would like to join from the drop down menu.

Do all team members have to complete the race together? No, each team member can complete the race on their own time and can choose their own 5K or 1-mile route.

 
When and where do I retrieve my packet and shirt? Packet and t-shirt pick-up is on Saturday, Oct. 25, at the San Diego Convention Center. Race Day is at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 26, at a designated course near the Convention Center. The timed race ends at approximately 8:30 a.m. or when the last participant finishes.

I'll be driving to the Run for Research. Is there parking? Parking is available in the San Diego Convention Center and throughout downtown San Diego near Embarcadero Park. More information is available at: https://www.visitsandiego.com/parking.

View photos from the event >>

Run for Research (October 18): Select the 5K race (timed) or 1-mile walk (not timed) on Sunday, October 18, 2026. Your registration includes a commemorative t-shirt and grab-and-go breakfast. 

Sleep-In for Research: Would you rather hit the pillow instead of the pavement? Choose to snooze and Sleep-In for Research. Your registration includes a commemorative t-shirt, showcasing your proud support of the AABB Foundation. 

Registrants must pick up their t‑shirts and bibs on Saturday, October 17, 2026, between 8:00am - 5:00pm ET in the Georgia World Congress Center. There will be an AABB Foundation Run for Research Packet Pick-Up Booth. There is no Run for Research registration on race day.

On race day (Sunday, October 18), please arrive at the Start line by no later than 6:45am ET.  

The AABB Foundation was established with the mission of fueling innovative research in transfusion medicine and biotherapies through grant making, education, industry leadership engagement and recognition. Through the generosity of our community over the years, the Foundation has raised millions of dollars to fund more than 200 early-stage investigators, who have conducted impactful research on a range of medical conditions, including alloimmunization, sickle cell disease, West Nile virus, SARS Cov-2, malaria, anemia, hemophilia and many more - learn more here.

For Run for Research sponsorships, please contact foundation@aabb.org.