AABB Foundation World Blood Donor Day Virtual Walk/Run

Behind every blood donation is a story of hope, resilience, and life.

In honor of World Blood Donor Day, the AABB Foundation invites you to join us in crossing the finish line of our virtual walk/run anytime between May 14 and June 14. 

Every step you take raises awareness for the critical need for blood donations, honors the heroes who donate, and fuels innovative research that makes transfusion medicine and biotherapies safe, available, and effective worldwide. 

Take the first step today by signing up and help make a difference in the lives of patients and donors. From forming a team to participating solo, or joining an existing team, there’s a place for everyone in the blood and biotherapies community, and it starts with you. 

When must I complete my walk/run? Complete your 1-mile or 5K course anytime and anywhere between May 14 – June 14. You can even use a treadmill or a stationary bike. 

How many miles is a 5K? A 5K is considered 3.1 miles.

How do I track my time and distance? You will time yourself and can track your time on your phone, watch, or any fitness device of your choice. There are several apps for tracking distance available for Android and Apple iOS. Click here for a list of suggested apps.

Do I need to submit my time? It’s not required that you submit your time, but if you would like to appear in the online results, as well as be able to access your finisher certificate, you will need to submit your time.  

How do I submit my time?Navigate to your RunSignup profile by selecting the Profile Icon at the top right-hand corner. Under your Upcoming Events, select Submit Virtual Results, enter in your time, then select Submit Time.  

How do I print my bib and finisher certificate? Once you register, go to your profile page and scroll down to the event listed. On the right, click “View Digital Bib.” Once you submit your time after completing the race, find your name in the Results, click Your Name, then click Certificate.

How do I create a team? During registration, you can create a team name. Share your team’s name with friends, family, and others so when they go to register, they can be part of your team.

How do I join a team? During registration, answer "Yes" for the question, "Would you like to join a Team?" Click Continue and select the group/team you would like to join from the drop-down menu.

Do all team members have to complete the walk/run together? No, each team member can complete their course on their own time and can choose their own route.

1. Show your show your walk/run pride in stride! This could be: 

• A photo of you with your race bib, finisher’s certificate, or just a favorite picture from your walk/run. 
• A quick 15-second video about who you’re walking or running for and why.      

2. Let your friends, family, and colleagues know you’re participating and invite them to join you using the sample template: 

• "I’m taking on the World Blood Donor Day walk/run with the AABB Foundation to raise awareness for the critical need for blood donations and honor the heroes who donate. Join me today at aabb.org/worldblooddonorday!"

Tag AABB on Facebook,  X (Twitter),  LinkedIn,  and  Instagram, or email your pictures, videos, or reasons for running to foundation@aabb.org. We’ll feature these stories on AABB’s social media to help spread the word. 

Every year, transfusions of blood and blood products save millions of lives, but many countries struggle with an inadequate supply of safe blood according to the World Health Organization. To help encourage blood donations, the World Health Organization started World Blood Donor Day, which occurs each year on June 14. 

By participating in this virtual walk/run, you’re not just moving—you’re making a difference. You’ll help raise awareness, celebrate donors, and support the AABB Foundation in fueling innovative research. This vital research leads to advances in treatments that changes the lives of patients and brings hope to individuals and families around the world. 

1. Sign up as an individual or create a new team.  To join an existing team, answer "Yes" for the question, "Would you like to join a Team?"  Click Continue and select the group/team you would like to join from the drop-down menu.

2. Ask your friends, family, and co-workers to support you by joining your team or giving a contribution to your fundraiser.

3. Complete any 1-mile or 5K route between May 14 and June 14 as you listen to a custom playlist created by participants.

4. Show your walk/run pride in stride and post your photos, videos, and tag AABB on Facebook,  X (Twitter),  LinkedIn,  and  Instagram.  You can also take pictures and email them to us. 

5. Celebrate your accomplishment by submitting your completion time by Sunday, June 15 at 11:59pm ET to receive your finisher certificate.

Click below for more information:

Frequently Asked Questions

AABB Foundation Website

Individuals and teams will gain special recognition for going above-and-beyond in the following categories:

• Top Fundraiser

• Most Team Members

Click here to create your fundraiser. 

Join Us as a Sponsor!

Support a life-saving cause and align your company with a vital public health initiative. By sponsoring the World Blood Donor Day Walk/run, you’ll help raise awareness about the ongoing need for blood donations, celebrate and honor donors, and advance innovative research for patients through the AABB Foundation. 

As a sponsor, your company will receive:

✓ Prominent logo placement on the website 

✓ Complimentary event registrations 

✓ A company team for employee participation 

✓ And more!

Ready to make an impact?

Email us at foundation@aabb.org to get started.