Frequently Asked Questions
NEW IN 2026
Two races are now offered under the ASHFoundation’s Virtual Walk/Run. What’s the difference between the Virtual 5K and the 80K Challenge?
- Virtual 5K Walk/Run: The Virtual 5K is our traditional event, now in its 7th year. Participants complete a 5K at their convenience during race weekend (September 25-27) or in a single day.
- Registration fee: $40
- Includes: Commemorative 5K T-shirt (while supplies last)
- 80K Challenge: New for our 80th Anniversary, the 80K Challenge is a longer-distance option completed over 8 days (September 23-30) allowing greater flexibility.
- Registration fee: $160
- Fundraising minimum: $800
- Includes: 5K T-shirt, 80th Anniversary hat, and an 80K finisher medal
This year includes new options for racing in honor or memory of someone. How do I do that?
Visit our webpage here to download signs that you can print to race in honor or memory of someone (or multiple people). Print out your signs, write a message or name in the box, and snap a photo to share with your loved ones and with the ASHFoundation on social media (#ASHFoundation5K).
ABOUT THE RACE
Why should I participate in the ASHFoundation Virtual Walk/Run event?
One in six Americans has a speech, language, or hearing disorder that can keep them from reaching their full potential in school, work, and life. That’s 50 million people with conditions that can make human interaction a struggle to connect and convey ideas. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Foundation (ASHFoundation) supports innovators and sparks innovation in the field of communication sciences and disorders. We provide resources for passionate and promising investigators exploring forward-thinking solutions and conducting groundbreaking research. All proceeds from your race registration go directly to the ASHFoundation funding programs supporting students, researchers and clinicians in the communication sciences.
Will I get a T-shirt before the event and when should I expect it to arrive at my house?
All Virtual 5K and 80K participants receive an official 5K T-shirt (while supplies last).
- Register by August 19 to receive your T-shirt in your size and in time for race day
- Shipping is included in your registration fee
- T-shirt shipping for 2026 begins in late spring on a rolling basis
- Immediately notify the ASHFoundation of any address changes at foundation@asha.org
- Registrations after August 19 cannot be guaranteed delivery before race weekend
What is a race bib and do I have to wear it on race day?
Race bibs are commemorative and available as a digital download through your RunSignUp account. You are not required to wear your bib, but your bib number is needed if you choose to upload a time to the race leaderboard.
Learn more about how to download and print your digital bib here.
Instructions on how to upload your time to the race leaderboard may be found here.
FEES, DONATIONS & SPONSORSHIPS
Is my race registration considered tax deductible?
A portion of the race fee may be tax deductible, as allowed by law, once the final cost of race items is determined. Updated information will be available in mid-July.
Can I make a donation to the race without actually walking/running?
YES! If you would like to donate in support of the race, you have two options.
- Click the following link to make a donation to the ASHFoundation website. When you are completing your donation form you can specify in the comment text box that you want your donation to go towards the race event. https://www.ashfoundation.org/Ways-to-Give/Individual-Donor-Form/
- The second option is to sign up for the race! You can choose not to walk/run that day and your registration fee will still go to the ASHFoundation. You even have the option to donate your T-shirt if you want to donate a little something extra.
Will sponsored registrations be available this year and for which race(s)?
Yes. Sponsored student registrations will be available on a rolling basis, as they are received by the ASHFoundation, only for the Virtual 5K Walk/Run. Participation in the 80K Challenge is not eligible for sponsorship.
If you are a student in the discipline of communications sciences and disorders and would like to receive sponsored registration to participate in the ASHFoundation’s 7th Annual Virtual 5K Walk/Run at no cost to you, please complete the form found here.
Once available and filled, students will be provided a one-time use code via email to complete their registration. NOTE: Because sponsored registrations are based on sponsorship support received by the ASHFoundation, there may be a delay in hearing from us as we await availability. If you would like an update or have any questions, please contact foundation@asha.org.
How can I sponsor a student?
If you would like to sponsor a student for the ASHFoundation 5K, simply complete your race registration and during the registration process select the ‘Sponsor a Student’ add-on option. Once your registration is complete, the ASHFoundation will be notified immediately of your sponsorship request and we will match a student on our wait list that is looking for support. If you are not interested in participating in the race, but would like to sponsor a student, no problem! You can donate directly to the ASHFoundation on our website, found here, and indicate in the ‘Comments’ section that this is an ASHFoundation 5K Student Sponsorship.
Please note: sponsored registrations are fulfilled on a rolling basis and may not be directed to a specific student or university.
Can I receive a refund if I can no longer participate?
Due to the charitable nature of this event, no refunds will be provided.
RACE COMPLETION
Do I need to complete the entire distance in one day?
No! We want everyone to participate and recognize that this may be a long distance for you. If you need to start your race a little earlier to reach the full distance, hat is fine. Once you complete the full distance, you can enter your race time or simply check that you completed the race (optional).
What if I can’t participate on race weekend?
That's okay! Simply sign up, complete your race anytime that week, and wear your T-shirt. Once race weekend arrives, feel free to upload your race time to our leaderboard (optional). We'll be sharing photos of the race on social media that day, and hope you will too, but we'll be excited to hear about your walk/run experience whenever you complete it.
How do you verify race completion?
We operate on the honor system. This event is about community, celebration, and participation. We encourage you to share your experience on social media using #ASHFoundation5K.
Will there be awards for top finishers?
No. Our race leaderboard is simply for friendly bragging rights and to share your accomplishment with others.
How do I track my mileage?
We recommend using a fitness tracker such as a smartwatch, Fitbit, Garmin, or pedometer. If you do not use a device, you may map your route using free tools like Google Maps, MapMyWalk, or MapMyRun.
TEAMS & GROUPS
Can I participate with a team or group?
Yes. During registration, you may join or create a team. Teams are optional and ideal for friends, families, colleagues, or classmates.
Can I sign up for more than one team?
No, RunSignUp does not allow the ability register for more than one team. To be a part of more than one team, a racer would need to register multiple times under different accounts.
How do I create my own team/group for the race?
Once you select the 'Sign Up' button there is a question at the bottom of the registration form that asks 'Would you like to join or create a Group/Team?'. Simply select 'YES' and you will be given the option to join an existing team from the drop-down menu or create your own team. To create your own team, select 'create a team' and enter your own team name.
Can I join a team after I have already signed up for the race?
Yes. Simply log into RunSignUp and click on your profile picture in the upper right corner. Select 'My Registrations' and select MANAGE REGISTRATIONS. In the upper navigation bar - select GROUP/TEAM. If you want to join an existing group/team, select that option and pull down the team name you want to join. If you want to create your own team - select that option and complete the steps.
What is the difference between a Corporate Team and a Group/Teams?
General group/teams are for anyone that wants to race together virtually with family, friends and colleagues. A Corporate Team is designed for organizations that wish to subsidize part of their employees’ registration fees. We recommend this option only if a company plans to cover a portion of participant costs.
How do I create a Corporate Team?
On the main race web page, select the 'Corporate Teams' from the 'Registration' drop down. Select the button 'Create a New Team' and follow the prompts.
