Run Your Socks off 5K + a little extra

🎉 Event Overview

The Down Syndrome Association of SWLA invites you and your family to participate in the Run Your Socks off 5K +, in honor of World Down Syndrome Day! Our run will not be the traditional 5K (3.1 mile) but will be a 3.21-mile walk/run. The 3.21 represents that individuals with Down syndrome carry 3 copies of the 21st chromosome. So, our route will include that “little something extra”. We have also had a small group of individuals with Down syndrome who have been training to run or walk this event, so this will be their moment to shine and show our community their “capABILITIES”.

We couldn’t think of a better day to host our run but actually on World Down Syndrome Day. We invite all runners or walkers with varying abilities to join us.

🗓️ Race Day Schedule

• 6:30-7:30am: Onsite registration and packet pick up
• Onsite/Day of registration: increases to $45 per runner
• 8:00: Race Begins
• 9:15-9:30 approx: Awards

🏁 Route Description

This year we will have a new route due to the construction where the race has been held in the past. We will start and end at Crying Eagle Brewing Company 1165 E. McNeese St. Lake Charles, LA 70607

Route: From Crying Eagle parking lot turn West/Right onto McNeese St and then turn North/Right onto Louisiana Ave, Turn West/ Left onto Tulane St., turn South/Left onto Common St., Turn East/Left onto Madeline St., Turn South/Right onto Kirkman St., Turn East/Left onto Cherrydale St., Turn South/Right onto Louisiana Ave., Turn East/Left onto McNeese St to finish in the Crying Eagle Parking Lot where the race started.

📦 Packet Pick-up

Friday, March 20, 2026

12:00PM - 3:00PM

Southern Specialty Products

615 E. Prien Lake Road, Lake Charles, LA 70601

⏱️ Electronic Timing & Results

The official timer and scorer for this event is Race Pace Multisport, LLC. Times for this event will be posted:

• Race Registration Website: Runsignup.com
• Near Finish Line
• Through email to participants who provide valid email addresses
• On Facebook Page

🏅 Bib Assignments

• Each Runner: will be issued a bib number at Packet Pick up. It is the responsibility of the runner to wear the bib during the race and to wear it in the correct place.
• Race Bibs: are to be worn on front of the abdominal area throughout the race.
• Runners without bib numbers: while on the course will be removed for security & Liability reasons.
• Emergency medical information: must be filled out on the bib number.

🏆 Age Group Categories & Awards

Awards will be issued to the following categories:

• Overall Male & Female with Down syndrome
• Overall Male & Female
• Overall Masters Advocate - (40-49 years) Male & Female
• Overall Grand Masters Advocate (60 years and older) Male & Female
• Top Male & Female runners in each age group: 19 years & younger, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+

❓ Registration Questions

All registration fees are non-refundable and will be considered a donation to a great organization. Registrations cannot be transferred nor deferred to alternate year.

Day of Registration: $45.00

👕 Shirts

T-shirt sizes are guaranteed if you register by 11:59 pm on 2/23/26. Race day registrants are not guaranteed race shirts. T-shirts will be a soft cotton and will be the same style for male and female.

🗝️ FREE Key Check

Participants have an opportunity to check their keys race day. Bands will be issued in the packet. Place band through key or chain and return to Registration desk. Pick up keys after race at Finish line.

🔍 Lost and Found

DSASWLA is not responsible for lost or stolen items. Lost items that are found and turned in will be returned to the Registration desk after the event. Contact Race Director via phone (337) 540-5992 or by email dsaswla@dsaswla.org to request your lost item. Items not requested or identified by April 1, 2026 will be donated to local non-profit agency.

☔ Weather

The races will be held rain or shine. If there is lightning in the area, the race will either have a delayed start or, depending on the intensity of the weather, be cancelled. The Race Director will make the determination.

If race is cancelled due to inclement weather or other reasons, your registration fee will be considered a tax-deductible donation to the Down Syndrome Association of SWLA.

🗺️ Directions

From Baton Rouge/Lafayette/Lake Charles:

• Travel west on I-10 towards Texas
• Take Exit 30A onto N. Lakeshore Dr. which will take you back under I-10 heading east. (basically a U-Turn)
• Turn Right .4 miles into the parking lot.

From Texas & Sulphur:

• Travel East on I-10
• Take Exit 29 onto Lakeshore Drive toward the civic Center
• Take a right .4 miles into the parking lot.

🙌 Volunteers

Volunteers are very much needed. We appreciate your talent and time. Please contact Tina Harris at dsaswla@dsaswla.org or go to dsaswla.org/volunteer if you or your organization is interested in volunteering.

Volunteer opportunities exist for the following duties:

• Race packet stuffing and organizing
• Race site setup
• Cheer and Hydration stations along race route
• Cleanup

🤝 Sponsors

Sponsors are what helps to make this event happen and help to continue our mission. If you are interested in sponsoring this event either monetarily or in the way of an in-kind donation please contact Melanie Sarro at dsaswla@dsaswla.org or 337-540-5992.