“Dash for the Beads is an annual 5K run along with a 1mile walk that coincides with Mardi Gras so come out and Laissez les bons temps rouler! (To any Mardi Gras rookies that is Cajun for “Let the good times roll”). Dash for the Beads is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that donates its proceeds to local area schools to help promote healthy eating and physical activity for our grade school children.

All Dash for the Beads activities provide funds for Dallas-area schools and non-profits to promote physical fitness, healthy eating and arts programming.

We accomplish our mission by:

Raising funds annually for Oak Cliff schools and non-profits that serve children through The Dash for the Beads 5K and fun run race event, as well as, Last Bag Standing and Friends of the Dash.
Requesting grant proposals annually from Oak Cliff schools and non-profits that offer physical fitness, healthy eating, and arts programming for children.
Carefully reviewing and scoring grant applications to ensure Dash for the Beads is a good steward of raised funds to be distributed.
Awarding grant funds to Oak Cliff schools and non-profits based upon the Grant Review Process.
Diligently following up with Awardees to ensure grant funds are spent as requested and all necessary grant reporting is completed and in order.

How Your Participation Has Helped
Over $27,000 in FREE entries given to approx. 675 DISD school kids (over the past 3 years).

Donations awarded: $325,000 (since 2014)

Donations have been awarded to 34 different organizations (since 2014).

Please sign up ahead of time if you love fun festive t-shirts! T-shirts will be guaranteed to participants registered by January 22, 2024!

Early Packet Pickup: Saturday, February 10th from 10am – 1pm at Peter Piper Pizza on 729 W. Jefferson Blvd

Race Day Schedule

8:00am – Registration, packet pickup, bars open, etc.
10:00am – DJ starts.
10:30am – Fun Run/1 mile
11:00am – Dash for the Beads 5k
12:45pm – Awards announced.
1:00pm – Oak Cliff Mardi Gras Parade | DJ ends

Awards

1st, 2nd, 3rd for both male and female in these categories
Overall
Ages:
12 and under
13-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60+