Detroit Sports Commission
‘I RAN THE D’ 5K TO BENEFIT DETROIT SPORTS COMMISSION
For the first time, the annual race will benefit community programs through the
Detroit Sports Commission’s Living Legacy Initiative,
which champions youth literacy, youth sports, and the growth of girls’ sports in Detroit.
On Saturday, May 17, 2025 thousands of sports fans will gather in downtown Detroit for the 7th annual ‘I Ran the D’ 5k benefiting the Detroit Sports Commission (DSC). For the first time, proceeds from the race will directly fund the DSC’s Living Legacy Initiative, which has infused more than $1.5 million into the local community to support youth literacy in Detroit and active play in the local region, including programs promoting girls’ sports.
The DSC has played a pivotal role in enhancing the local economy and elevating metro Detroit’s image through the attraction and hosting of regional, national, and international amateur sporting events including the record-breaking 2024 NFL Draft. The Living Legacy Initiative ensures that all major sporting events leave a lasting positive impact on Detroit’s communities.
“For nearly 25 years, the Detroit Sports Commission has been passionately committed to uniting our sports community and leveraging key partnerships to create meaningful participation opportunities,” said Marty Dobek, executive director of the Detroit Sports Commission. “We’re thrilled that the ‘I Ran the D’ 5K will now benefit our Living Legacy Initiative. Together, we can continue to have influence and ensure that the excitement of major sporting events translates into impactful benefits for Detroit’s youth.”
‘I Ran the D’ celebrates Detroit as a top-tier sports destination, bringing together passionate Detroit Lions, Detroit Pistons, Detroit Red Wings and Detroit Tigers fans along with dedicated community leaders.
The race joins other signature sporting events supporting DSC’s mission including the 5th annual Game Above Sports Detroit Sports Commission Golf Classic at Oakland Hills Country Club and the Amazon Prep Kickoff Classic at Wayne State University, which will celebrate its 20th anniversary this year.
“We’re excited to partner with the Detroit Sports Commission to unite the local sports community and celebrate Detroit as the best sports city in the world,” said Matt Helbig, CEO Big River Race Management. “Detroiters are passionate about their sports teams and care deeply about their community, which aligns perfectly with the Sports Commission’s values.”
Funds from the Living Legacy Initiative will continue to be directed towards programs that address the youth literacy gap in Detroit and foster the need for active play. The program, which was formed ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft, helped distribute $1.5 million dollars in grants to local non-profit organizations during the record-setting event.
ABOUT THE DETROIT SPORTS COMMISSION
The mission of the Detroit Sports Commission (DSC) is to market and sell metro Detroit as a premier destination for regional, national and international amateur sporting events. The DSC is a not-for-profit charitable organization, IRS 501 (C) (3), and a subsidiary of Visit Detroit. For more information, visit www.detroitsports.org.
