Hike for Headache Health

Event Overview

This is the 11th Annual Clusterbusters #CureforCluster Virtual 5k, but also the 2nd Annual event surrounding the DC AHDA Headache on the Hill: A Visual Installation AND this year we are ALSO partnering with Chronic Migraine Awareness to raise even more awareness to the devastation of headache disease.

Visual Installation

• Goal: The installation aims to visually and emotionally depict the vast impact that headache and migraine disorders have on millions of Americans.
• Location: Thousands of purple flags will cover the National Mall Park near the nation’s Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. in representation of those affected by headache disease.
• Awareness: Participants will choose which of the three organizations they would like their registration fee to be attributed to, or you can choose to have it split between all 3.

Participating Organizations

• Clusterbusters: A non-profit supporting, educating, advocating, and supporting research for those experiencing cluster headache.
• Chronic Migraine Awareness: A non-profit empowering the chronic migraine community through awareness, advocacy, and early intervention.
• Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy: Secures equitable policies for those impacted by headache disorders.

Community Impact

Participants in this 5k help raise awareness for headache diseases. By participating in person in Washington, DC, by participating virtually, and in your local area - those seeing the posts, t-shirts, and efforts will be educated that headache diseases are devastating and we need more support, research, and education.

Social Media Engagement

Share Your Progress and Participation on Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) using the #HikeForHeadacheHealth or #CureforCluster hashtag. The main goals of our annual virtual event are to fund research, spread awareness, and support the headache community.

Event Details

• LIVESTREAM KICKOFF: A virtual livestream will kick off this event on Saturday, June 7 at 10am British time for those in Europe/Global Community and 9 am ET for those in the US. Check your local time zone. The videos will be visible on our Clusterbusters Facebook Page.
• IN PERSON OPTION: Event Name: Hike for Headache Health; Date: June 23, 2026; Location: Washington, DC Installation Area.
• VIRTUAL OPTION: Participate ANY day in the month of June and share your progress and updates throughout the month.

Participation Details

A virtual 5k can be run or walked at any location, so you can join us from anywhere in the world. You can use a treadmill at home or in a gym, or run outside in your neighborhood or at a local park. You can bring your children, use strollers, or participate in a wheelchair. There’s no time limit, so you can run or walk 3.1 miles (5 kilometers) at your own pace. Your pets can even participate with you!

Lastly, June is Headache and Migraine Awareness Month, so feel free to add purple to your race gear to show support for all who suffer from head pain.

Proceeds and Fundraising

Proceeds will support Clusterbusters, Chronic Migraine Awareness, and the Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy (AHDA). You can form a team to participate, and teams can fundraise together. Also, you can support us as an individual by sharing your participation in this event with friends and family and encouraging them to donate in your name on your fundraising page.

Prizes

Prizes will be awarded to the 3 individuals and the 3 teams who raise the most funds.

Safety Warnings

Always follow the precautions advised for your health needs and be respectful of others around you. You can even bring your oxygen tank with you as participants have in the past. No matter where you’re running or walking on race day, make sure you have plenty of water available. If someone falls behind, make sure everyone is accounted for when you reach the end.

Registration

For more information and to register, please visit the event page: Hike for Headache Health.