3rd Annual Dash for Diabetes Awareness 5 K & 1Mile Fun Run
About the race
Founded in 1998, Southern New Mexico Diabetes Outreach (SNMDO) is a nonprofit diabetes education center. Its mission is to provide access to diabetes education and support services, and to bring community awareness, promote healthy futures, and support pediatric and adult patients living with diabetes.
SNMDO is the only diabetes organization in Las Cruces and surrounding areas providing accessible preventative care, self-management education, support, and disease monitoring. Its programs include Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME), National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP), Smart Moves for Kids, Support Groups, and health screenings.
SNMDO serves over 1,000 people per year, from children as young as 5 to seniors.
The 3rd Annual Dash for Diabetes Awareness 5 K and 1 Mile Fun Run takes place on World Diabetes Awareness Day, Saturday, November 14, 2026, in the Mesilla Plaza. All proceeds benefit SNMDO's diabetes programs, which are free for families.
Impact of diabetes in New Mexico
- About 12.3% of New Mexico's population has diagnosed diabetes.
- Nearly half a million people in New Mexico have not yet been diagnosed.
- About 1 in 5 adults in New Mexico have prediabetes.
- Diabetes is among the top 10 leading causes of death in New Mexico.
- Type 1 diabetes is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood.
- Type 1 diabetes accounts for 10% of all diabetes-related cases.
- Type 2 diabetes represents 90% of cases.
Event details
- Who: Southern New Mexico Diabetes Outreach (SNMDO)
- What: 3rd Annual Dash for Diabetes Awareness 5 K & 1 Mile Fun Run and Wellness Fair
- When: Saturday, November 14, 2026
- Where: Old Mesilla Plaza, 2355 Calle De Guadalupe, Las Cruces, NM 88005
November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and November 14 is Diabetes Day. Wear blue to stand in solidarity with your local diabetes community.
Race day schedule
Rain or shine event.
- Race registration: accepted until 8:45 am on race day at the registration booth.
- Race check-in: check in virtually on the run sign up app using your mobile phone.
- Race time: the 5 K starts at 9:00 am, and the 1 Mile Fun Walk starts shortly after.
- Wellness Fair: 9:00 am to 11:00 am. Visit vendors for resources, free screenings, and giveaways.
Awards and prizes
- Participant medals: available until supplies last.
- Age group medals: top three finishers (1st, 2nd, 3rd place) for male and female age groups.
- Additional prizes: largest team, funniest team name, most spirited runner, most spirited team, most school spirit, family champion, and community champion award.
Cancellation policy
Athletes can cancel their registration, but no refund is given.
Refunds are not allowed for this race.
The course
Location
City insight: Las Cruces
Las Cruces is a city in Doña Ana County, New Mexico, United States, and its county seat. It is the second-most populous city in New Mexico and the largest in southern New Mexico, with the Organ Mountains rising about 10 miles to its east. The high desert climate brings very hot summers and mild winters, so early spring and late autumn are the best seasons to race.
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