It’s been a while since our last blog post, but this milestone is too good not to share. At our recent Juneteenth 5K CommUnity Walk/Run, the percentage of first-time walkers jumped from 31% in 2024 to 41% this year. That’s not just a statistic, it’s a sign that our message is breaking through and more people in the communities we serve are choosing to live active, healthier lives.

Why does this matter?
A study published in Diabetologia found that walking, especially within minutes after meals can significantly improve blood sugar levels for people with type 2 diabetes. In fact, short walks taken after meals lowered post-meal blood sugar more effectively than walking at other times of the day. This means that even small, intentional changes to daily routines can produce meaningful, long-term health benefits.

The momentum we’re seeing is exciting and you’ll have another chance to join the movement at our upcoming Dash4Diabetes 5K & 10K Walk/Run on Saturday, November 29, 2025. Whether you choose to run or walk, you can be part of a powerful community experience that’s about more than just crossing a finish line.

🔗 Register here: https://raceroster.com/events/2025/106012/dash4diabetes-5k-and-10k-walkrun

Make it even more fun — build a team! Invite friends, family, coworkers, or members of your organization to join you. Walking or running together not only keeps you motivated, it multiplies the joy of the experience and the impact you make.

Why your participation matters:
Funds raised will benefit Fit Futures, our year-round youth health initiative focused on getting kids ages 6–15 active, building endurance, and introducing them to the joy and confidence that come from completing running events. With support from partners like Black Girls Run, Tampa Parks & Recreation, Gasparilla Distance Classic, Tampa Bay Collard Greens Festival, and the American Diabetes Association, we’re creating opportunities for kids across Tampa Bay to develop healthy habits early. Habits that can help prevent type 2 diabetes and set the stage for a lifetime of wellness.

How you can get involved:

• Register to walk or run
• Volunteer and be part of the action behind the scenes
• Give the Gift of Registration to someone who might not otherwise participate
• Donate to support a worthy cause and help us reach more youth through Fit Futures

Every step you take, every dollar you raise, and every person you invite brings us closer to a future without type 2 diabetes. Let’s keep the momentum going....see you at the starti line!