The end of the year is getting closer… have you made any resolutions yet? Consider adding “go on a fun run” to your list. If you’re looking for something that’s physically rewarding AND community building, look no further than our upcoming Dash with Rio event in 2026. Each year we do a fun run to raise funds for the Jo C. Bennett Student Assistance Fund, which supports Rio students that need immediate financial support to prevent situations that may cause them to drop out of college. All are welcome to register and attend. Be you student, teacher, Rio staff, alumnus, or community member, put on your running shoes and meet us in Tempe in April!
The 2026 Dash with Rio is happening on Saturday, April 18, at Kiwanis Park in Tempe. There will be three ways to run Kiwanis Park: a 5K, a 10K, or a 1 mile run. Each one has a different start time: 7:30 a.m. for the 10k, 8:00 a.m. for the 5K, and 8:05 a.m. for the 1 mile walk.
If you register prior to February 1t, you can RSVP your spot at Dash with Rio for a discount. Discounted costs are as follows (plus fee):
- 10K run: $35
- 5K run: $25
- 1 mile run: $15
Cost of entry includes a custom event t-shirt and finisher medal. There will be an awards presentation after the run with the top three male and female finishers from each age group receiving an award.
Put on your running shoes and register today!
Reasons To Run
Running for Dash with Rio supports a good cause. There are other reasons why going out for a run can be good for you. Altruism is important but so is your health; the good news about running at events like Dash with Rio is that it lets you do both. Here’s a few quick reasons why running can help keep you healthy.
Heart Healthy
Running for at least 10 minutes a day can significantly lower your risk of having cardiovascular disease. Studies have found that runners are 50 percent less likely to die from heart disease than those who don’t run. Running can also lower your resting heart rate. A lower resting heart rate is a strong indicator of good health.
Burns Calories
Running on a regular basis helps cut down on the health risks that can come from living a sedentary lifestyle. It lets you burn fat while doing an exercise that requires no equipment or costs beyond a pair of good, supportive running shoes.
Maintains Healthy Bones
While running may be a high-impact activity, studies have found that all that stress on your joints and bones may actually be improving bone density over time. The stress of running strengthens your bones through them adapting to the rigors of running. Experts suggest going slow at the beginning and ramping up the intensity and duration of your runs over time; too much too quickly could greatly increase your risk of injury.
Improves Mood and Cognition
Running doesn’t just hone your body through burning fat, strengthening bones, and building muscle: it can also sharpen your mind. Cardio-heavy exercises like running help stimulate the growth of new blood vessels that can enrich the brain. Running could improve your ability to focus, reinforce your memory retention and recall, and elevate your mood through the release of neurochemicals like endorphins and dopamine.
Article by Austin Brietta
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