Live Your Best Life 5k

Join us for the Live Your Best Life Sensory Walk & 5K, an inclusive charity run and walk in Iowa City designed for participants of all abilities. Whether you're a seasoned runner chasing a new PR, a casual walker enjoying the morning with friends, or a family looking for a fun community event, this is for you.

Hosted by Systems Unlimited, this event supports people living with disabilities and mental health needs across Eastern Iowa. For 55 years, Systems Unlimited has worked to remove barriers and create opportunities so the people we serve can live healthy, active, and fulfilling lives.

Fundraise for Systems Unlimited

Making a positive impact in your community through fundraising is incredibly rewarding!

Join us as a fundraiser for the "Live Your Best Life Event" to support Systems Unlimited. Our staff work tirelessly to help people with developmental disabilities and mental health needs live their happiest, most independent lives.

Most of our budget comes from Medicaid Waiver Payments, which are designated for staff salaries and benefits. These funds cannot cover operating costs like wheelchair-accessible vehicles, housing, or programs. This is where your help is needed!

By creating a fundraiser for the "Live Your Best Life Event," you will make a world of difference for people in our services! Share your fundraiser with friends and family, and you could raise an average of $50 with a single social media post.

Money raised for this event will specifically be used to purchase essential items like beds and medical equipment for those in need. Your efforts will make a real difference!

Click Here to Fundraise for Systems Unlimited

To show you how much we appreciate your fundraising for Systems Unlimited, we will send you gifts as you hit certain fundraiser goals. 

You can't have an event without Swag!

When you register for the Live Your Best Life Sensory Run or Walk, In addition to getting to participate in our sensory-packed event, you will receive a sensory-themed swag bag. 

Our 2025 Event Swag Bag will include: 

2025 Live Your Best Life Sensory Run T-Shirt:   

This amazing design was created by 3 artists Lee, Avery, and Autumn here at the Iowa City Day Program:

2025 Live Your Best Life Finisher Medal (5K ONLY): 

 Designed by a person severed here at the Iowa City Day Program!

2025 Live Your Best Life Finisher Pin (1-Mile ONLY): Monticello Day Program

Medal design inspired by Mahomes the Rabbit a beloved rabbit that has been apart of the Monticello office for over 2 years!

Stickers Designed by the People we Serve: 

Who doesn't love a unique sticker creatively made by people in our Art Program. 

One Sensory Fidget Toy: 

All Swag Items are as they last. Once they are sold out, they will no longer be available. 

Post Party Returns — Bigger and Better!

We're bringing back the post-party this year, and it's going to be more exciting than ever! Join us after the race to celebrate, unwind, and connect with fellow participants. This year, we're adding a raffle with tons of awesome prizes up for grabs, so make sure you enter and stick around for your chance to win.

Become A Fundraiser Here!

The fundraiser winner will be reached out to on the Friday afternoon before the event. 

Do you know that EVERYONE has unique sensory needs and sensory preferences? It's true! Knowing someone's sensory needs is a key ingredient to success at Systems Unlimited. This is why we are trying something unique and fun by hosting a Sensory Run.
 
What is a sensory run? Throughout the 5k and 1-mile routes,  different stations will be set up to engage the senses while you participate in the event. Be prepared to be engaged during this event!

Sensory Stations: 
1) SCENTED BUBBLES 🫧 - Breeze on by as bubbles blow by you! A delightful scent as you blaze on past. 

2) POP UP FLOWERS 🌼 -  Cutouts of flowers that the people we serve painted. 

3) RIBBON RUN-THROUGH 🎀 - Hanging ribbons of all types will sweep across you as you enter this part of the sensory run. Enjoy the different textures and surfaces as you cruise on through.

4) ART DISPLAYS BY THE PEOPLE WE SERVE 🖼️ - Experience unique art cut-outs made by the people we serve. Every year, we intend to add new art for you to enjoy! 

5) BUBBLE WRAP HANDOUT - Who doesn't enjoy popping bubble wrap? Have the option to pop a square of bubble wrap as you walk/run. 

6) SCENT STATIONS 👃 - Throughout the route, there will be scent distribution machines for you to enjoy scents like Apple Pie and Citrus. 

Additional Sensory updates will be made as the event nears, so check back! 

After the Sensory Run and Walk are over, our Post Party will also feature some awesome sensory activities for all ages, including one bounce houses, Foam Machines, giant bubble wand stations, and more!