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A Race for Every Body
unified 5k
The Unified 5k is built on the idea that every person deserves to compete. Whether you’re running, walking, or rolling, we are creating opportunities globally for people with and without disabilities to cross the finish line.
Help us Make Fitness Accessible
EDUCATION
ADVOCACY
OPPORTUNITY
The Unified 5k Impact
Making Fitness and Physical Activity Accessible in Every Race Community
Running Blade Partner
The Mission of Less Leg More Heart is to empower, support, and unite individuals and families facing the journey of amputation. Through a blend of emotional support, physical rehabilitation, education, financial assistance, and community building, they strive to ensure no one walks this path alone.
Thanks to our partnership with Less Leg More Heart, at each race, we’ll be donating a running blade to a community member.
Running Chair Partner
Adaptive Fitness Partner
In each 5k community, we will educate and outfit a local fitness business to give them the tools necessary to welcome those with disabilities into their facility.
Athlete and Ambassador Fund
A percentage of funds raised through the Unified 5k series goes to our scholarship funds for individuals with disabilities to train with AdaptX-certified coaches and adaptive athletes to compete in endurance sports.
2024 AdaptX Annual Report
Learn more about the accomplishments and objectives of our host organization, AdaptX.
What is the AdaptXpo?
Our expo connects companies and consumers to create inclusive and accessible communities. Our vendors and workshops introduce people with and without disabilities to the power and performance of adaptive sports.
What makes the Unified 5k unique?
- Designed with disability in mind - accessible courses, universally designed events, digitally accessible platforms, and socioeconomic support
- Customized clothing options for those with limb differences
- Acceptance of all abilities and adaptive equipment
- Small prize purse for 6 different adaptive divisions that will increase every year
- Adaptive Athlete Liaisons are available at every event to assist participants with any of their race day needs
- Commitment to creating accessible fitness opportunities in each race community
The Rick Hoyt Research Lab
The Rick Hoyt Research Lab was established to perform impactful studies that improve fitness and reduce secondary health conditions for individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities. We accomplish this by pursuing two lines of clinical and translational science:
1) The optimization of exercise delivery in people with ID/PD, and
2) The implementation of accessible and inclusive fitness environments.
Sponsors
Thank You to These Inclusion Champions!
Individual Sponsors
Make an individual donation or set up a Unified 5k Peer-to-Peer Fundraising page to support AdaptX or one of our charity partners
Community Sponsors
Community sponsors are acknowledged at an individual race and the incentives are exclusively reserved for that singular event.
Corporate Sponsors
Corporate sponsors are acknowledged and receive the associated incentives at every 2025 race.
Visit the link below to learn more.
What Does Your Donation Support?
Click the button below to learn more about the impact of the Unified 5k and the initiatives of AdaptX
Upcoming Unified 5k Races
Interested in bringing a Unified 5k to your community?
Click the button below to schedule a call with our team or email [email protected]
Racing Toward Inclusion
Introducing people with and without disabilities to adaptive sports to rewrite the narrative on expectations.
Powered by our Partnerships
FAQs
Are the courses wheelchair accessible?
Yes, we designed all of our courses to be wheelchair accessible. In the event that there are characteristics that would require a certain level of ability and experience (uphill, sharp turns, etc), these will be specified.
Are registration refunds available?
Registration fees are not refundable unless the event is cancelled due to weather or an unforeseen circumstance.
Can I defer my registration to next year?
Registration cannot be deferred to a future year’s event.
Can I transfer my bib to another participant?
Registration cannot be transferred to another participant.
What organization benefits from my registration fees and donation?
While we’re partnering with many like-minded charitable organizations and companies to make these events successful, AdaptX is the sole beneficiary of registration and fundraising.
Do I have to disclose my disability?
Definitely not.
If I'm comfortable disclosing my disability but not being recognized in an adaptive division during the medal ceremony, what should I do?
If you haven’t already registered, we would recommend registering in the Open category. If you registered in an adaptive division but don’t want to be eligible for winning a category award, you can email [email protected].
Do I have to register in an Adaptive category if I have a disability?
No, you can opt to be included in the “open” field if you don’t want to be listed or included in an adaptive division.
Do you differentiate between above knee and below knee amputees in the results and prizes?
We appreciate that the biomechanics and bioenergetics of running as a BK vs. an AK is significantly different and therefore, not necessarily a fair competition, however historically we haven’t had a large enough amputee field size to justify separate divisions. In the future we certainly hope to.
Can I participate with a mobility aid not listed in the adaptive divisions?
Yes! During registration it will give you the opportunity to specify what type of mobility aid or adaptive equipment you plan to use.
If I register for the race do I have to fundraise for AdaptX?
No – there is no fundraising obligation.
If I choose to fundraise for AdaptX but I don’t hit my goal, am I obligated to cover the difference?
No – you can set a goal for your fundraising efforts but you certainly are not obligated to reach a certain amount. There are incentives at different levels which you can learn about here.
Can I donate to a specific initiative within AdaptX?
Yes, if you would like to specify where your contribution goes, email [email protected].
If I ordered the wrong shirt size can I exchange it?
At the end of the race, you can visit the registration table and if we have extra inventory, you may, but it is not guaranteed.
What is the difference when registering between the "1 Mile Walk/Run/Roll" option and the "Kids Fun Run" option?
Both events are one mile in distance. The “1 Mile Walk/Run/Roll” is for all ages and starts with the open field at 10:00am while the “Kids Fun Run” option is for kids 10 years old and under and starts at 9:35. If your child wants to start at 10am, we just ask that they be cognizant of crowds around them and ideally accompanied by an adult as we won’t have the same support staff that we have for the Kids Fun Run.
If I have any additional questions, who can I contact?
Additional Questions?
Our Commitment to Accessible Design
AdaptX is committed to creating a web experience that is fully accessible and usable for everyone. We are dedicated to providing the best experience and upholding the highest standards of digital accessibility, but we are a small organization that is predominantly volunteer-driven. If you experience any issues navigating our website using your preferred method, or if you would like to provide feedback, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected].
