The AAAAI Foundation’s Run/Walk Returns to its Roots in San Antonio

The first AAAAI Foundation Run/Walk in 2013.

Dennis K. Ledford, MD, FAAAAI, first suggested the AAAAI Foundation Run/Walk as a way to get more members involved within the foundation. “I wanted to create something fun that would bring our community together while helping to raise funds for the AAAAI Foundation,” he said. “In 2013 the meeting was going to be in San Antonio, and I knew Dr. Diaz was an avid runner. I asked him for his help, and he ran with it. He’s been here since the beginning.”

In 2023, the AAAAI Foundation’s Run/Walk will return to its roots of San Antonio Texas, though this year’s event will look much different than the first one did 11 years ago.

Attendees at the Run/Walk in 2013.

“The first ever AAAAI Foundation Run/Walk was largely an out-and-back event,” explained Joseph D. Diaz, MD, FAAAAI, Chair of AAAAI Foundation Special Events. “In 2023, the Run/Walk will begin in Hemisfair Park, and we’ve received approval for part of the route to travel along San Antonio’s famed river walk – which is notoriously difficult to achieve.”

Over the years, organizers have worked hard to make improvements to the event. In preparation for this year’s event, organizers formed a subcommittee of different stakeholders to generate new ideas and make improvements. The subcommittee suggested a one-mile option, allowing individuals who are unable to or who don’t wish to partake in a full 5K to participate in this popular event.

The Run/Walk starting line in 2022.

Since its inception, the Run/Walk has raised just over $1.5 million for young investigators, helping to advance the AAAAI Foundation’s mission of funding research that leads to the prevention and cure of asthma and allergic and immunologic disease.

“In addition to funds brought in by our participants, we’ve been fortunate to have amazing sponsors,” Dr. Diaz added. “When we started we had a several small sponsors. Now Takeda is the sole sponsor of the event and has provided us with very generous funds.”

In 2023, Dr. Diaz has reached out to the original sponsors of the event in 2013 to include their logos free of charge as an homage to where the Run/Walk began.

Dr. Ledford has been training for the 2023 event for weeks. “I haven’t missed one yet,” he said. “The atmosphere and act of gathering together for a common vision is really uplifting. We’re part of a small specialty, and these kinds of events bring our family closer together.”

In honor of the AAAAI Foundation Run/Walk returning to its original host city, we're featuring original registration pricing of only $25 when you register online before February 17. Make sure to register now if you haven’t already!

Even if you don’t plan on participating in the Run/Walk yourself, you can register to support the AAAAI Foundation and its mission. “We want to see you there,” Dr. Diaz said, “but if you can’t make it your support still helps our event grow. Come celebrate with us and cheer the runners/walkers on!”

Dr. Diaz (left) and Dr. Ledford (right) at the 2022 Run/Walk.

Click here to learn more about the 2023 AAAAI Foundation Run/Walk. If you’re looking for another way to support the work the AAAAI Foundation does, consider purchasing a ticket for the AAAAI Foundation Annual Benefit on February 25 at the Marriott River Center. Join your colleagues for a night of fine dining, music and the presentation of our Faculty Development Awards. Learn more about the event and how to register here.

You can also make a donation directly to the AAAAI Foundation if you are unable to attend any of the events by clicking here.

Attendees at the 2022 AAAAI Foundation Annual Benefit.

Special thanks to the 2023 Run/Walk Subcommittee Members

Priya J. Bansal, MD, FAAAAI Diana Chernikova, MD, PhD Joseph D. Diaz, MD, FAAAAI Basil M. Kahwash, MD David A. Kaufman, MD, FAAAAI Stephen Lawhon Bob K. Miyake, MD Andrew D. Moore, MD, FAAAAI

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