Optometry Cares Student Run/Walk

Special thanks to our supporters!

Join us for a run/walk to support Optometry Cares®—The AOA Foundation!

By signing up for our virtual run/walk, you can participate from ANYWHERE and can choose between a 1-mile or 5K option; just map your course, lace up your shoes and go for a leisurely walk or a competitive run (it’s up to you!)! If you are competitive, be sure to log your results by Tuesday, June 21, 2022 by 11:59 PM CT. Otherwise, it is completely optional if you would like to upload your results.

By signing up for the in-person run/walk on Chicago on Saturday, June 18th at 6:00 AM CT, you will participate in a 1-mile or 5K course at the Lakefront Trail. The Start/Finish is located at the Lakefront Trail behind the McCormick Place - Lakeside Center near the McCormick Place Lakeside Waterfall. You can also sign up for the in-person race in your Optometry’s Meeting registration. The Start/Finish is about a 15-minute walk from McCormick Square to the Lakefront Trail starting line. Staff will escort the runners/walkers through the convention center, so please meet at McCormick Square no later than 5:15 am CT. See the walking map from McCormick Square to the starting line of the Lakefront Trail on the next page.

Sign up!

Step 1: Register for $30 for the virtual or in-person run/walk and you will receive a t-shirt, medal and race packet. Online registration closes on Tuesday, June 21, 2022 at 11:59PM CT. 

Invite friends, family and colleagues to join in on the fun. Don't forget to click on the link after registering to share the race on your Facebook.

Get competitive for a good cause! Create your own fundraising team to help raise support for Optometry Cares! Just click the "Fundraise" button to learn more.

Step 2: If you signed up virtually, you can go ahead and get to walking or running for your 1-mile or 5K. If you signed up for the in-person run/walk we will see you on June 18th in Chicago!

If you signed up for the virtual run/walk, complete your 1-mile or 5K from any location and submit your results before Tuesday, June 21st at 11:59 PM CT (optional if you are not competitive). See the FAQ for more information on how to upload your results. Whether it’s outside, on a treadmill, or even doing leisurely laps around your house, lace up your shoes and have fun!

If you signed up for the in-person run/walk, we will see you at 6:00 AM CT on June 18th in Chicago for our in-person 1-mile and 5K run/walk. 

Step 3: Submit your time if you want to get competitive. You may upload your results from now until Tuesday, June 21, 2022 at 11:59PM CT. Share your favorite moments/pictures/videos along the way by tagging Optometry Cares – The AOA Foundation on Facebook or #IWalkforOC or #IRunforOC hashtags.

Please note that we will not have overall or age group awards for virtual participants so uploading your results is optional. However, we encourage a little friendly competition and the top runners will have bragging rights!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I set up a Fundraising Team for Optometry Cares® to help increase support?

1. Visit this link (https://www.raceentry.com/races/optometry-cares-runwalk/2022/fundraising/charity/charity/optometry-cares-the-aoa-foundation-6153)

2. Click “Fundraise”

3. Enter the information to create a team.

4. Click “Create Fundraiser

After I create a Fundraising Team, how do I invite my friends to join my Fundraising Team?

1. Visit https://www.raceentry.com/

2. Click “log in” on the top right

3. Enter your account information and select "log in”

 If you don’t remember your password, you can use the “Reset Password” button

4. Go to the “Fundraising For” section and select your “Fundraising Team” name, this will take you to your team’s fundraising page

5. Go your address bar and copy the address at the top, you can share this link with your friends and encourage them to:

 i.      Click the “Donate” button to make a one-time donation towards your team goal

 ii.      Click “Join” so they can start fundraising for your team as well

 iii.      “Register” will just register them for the virtual race. Note that it will not actually group your registration in a team – teams are only for fundraising.

New to virtual runs? 

Check out this page or this 2-minute video for general info. 

Not sure where to run? 

Create your own course! Please see the below possibilities!
For road routes (be mindful of traffic): https://www.google.com/maps
For off-road routes: www.alltrails.com
Or use your favorite smartphone/smart watch app!

Will I receive any swag? 

Yes! Each participant will receive a unisex super soft poly blend T-shirt and a medal. When you register, you will be asked to provide your t-shirt size, please see below size options.

Where do I upload my time? 

Go to "Manage My Registration" towards the top of the page and then click “Submit Race Results”. Participants may post results through Tuesday, June 21, 2022 at 11:59PM CT.

Where do I share my photos and videos? 

We would love to see your photos and videos so please tag us on Facebook by using the #IWalkforOC or #IRunforOC hashtags!

Still have a question? 

Please contact foundation@aoa.org.  

Thank you for your support! 

Your generous support helps Optometry Cares® — The AOA Foundation to fulfill its mission of expanding eye care awareness, education and research to eye and vision care to everyone in the United States in order to enhance human performance and quality of life.