Dorothy Lane Market Good Neighbor 5K in Dayton: The Family-Friendly Race That Gives Back
If you’re looking for one of the most meaningful and community-driven races in the Miami Valley, the Dorothy Lane Market Good Neighbor 5K deserves a spot on your calendar. Hosted in partnership with locally loved running store Up and Running, this annual Dayton event combines fitness, family fun, local flavor, and charitable giving into one unforgettable morning.
Whether you’re a competitive runner chasing a personal best, a casual walker looking for a fun weekend event, or a family wanting to support a great cause, the DLM Good Neighbor 5K offers something for everyone.
What Is the Dorothy Lane Market Good Neighbor 5K?
The DLM Good Neighbor 5K is a community-focused run/walk held at Dorothy Lane Market Washington Square in partnership with Up and Running. The event brings together runners, walkers, families, and neighbors from across the Dayton area for a fun and welcoming 5K experience. Proceeds benefit the fight against hunger through donations to The Foodbank.
Unlike many races that feel overly competitive or intimidating, the DLM Good Neighbor 5K is intentionally designed to be approachable and community-oriented. You’ll see seasoned runners, first-time participants, parents with strollers, kids, and walkers all enjoying the course together.
Why Dayton Runners Love This Race
1. It Supports an Incredible Cause
One of the biggest reasons participants return year after year is the mission behind the event. Race proceeds help support hunger relief efforts through The Foodbank, and additional vendor donations are collected on race morning.
Recent editions of the race have even included a “Fill-the-Truck Challenge,” where generous vendor donations are loaded directly onto The Foodbank truck at the finish line.
For many Dayton-area runners, this transforms the event from “just another 5K” into a chance to make a real local impact.
2. The Finish Line Treat Is Legendary
Let’s be honest: one of the most talked-about parts of the race is the post-run reward.
Participants receive the famous Dorothy Lane Market Killer Brownie® at the finish line.
That combination of fitness and indulgence perfectly captures the spirit of the event: work hard, have fun, and celebrate together.
3. It’s Perfect for Beginners
Thinking about running your first 5K in Dayton?
This is one of the best races to start with.
The atmosphere is encouraging, the course is accessible, and the focus is on community rather than elite competition. Walkers are welcome, and families regularly participate together.
Because the event is organized alongside experienced local running experts at Up and Running Dayton, race-day logistics are smooth and beginner-friendly.
4. Up and Running Helps Create a True Running Community
Few businesses have done more for the Dayton running and walking scene than Up and Running.
The locally owned specialty running store is known throughout the Miami Valley for expert shoe fittings, training programs, community runs, and support for walkers and runners of all experience levels.
That community-first mentality carries directly into the Good Neighbor 5K. Instead of feeling like a massive impersonal race, the event feels welcoming and local in the best possible way.
What to Expect on Race Day
The race takes place at Dorothy Lane Market Washington Square in Dayton, with race-day packet pickup beginning before the start time outside of Up and Running. Participants can also pick up packets early at Up and Running on May 16th from 2pm-4pm at Up and Running in Dayton.
Here’s what runners and walkers can typically expect:
- A family-friendly atmosphere
- Organized race support and timing
- Age-group awards and prizes
- Local community vendors
- Fun post-race energy
- Delicious DLM treats at the finish
- Opportunities to support hunger relief efforts
The event usually attracts a wide mix of competitive runners and casual participants, making it ideal for nearly every fitness level.
More Than a Race — It’s a Dayton Tradition
Community races thrive when they create meaningful experiences, and the Dorothy Lane Market Good Neighbor 5K has become exactly that for many Miami Valley residents.
It’s a chance to:
- Get active outdoors
- Support a local cause
- Connect with the Dayton running community
- Spend time with friends and family
- Celebrate local businesses
- Enjoy one of the friendliest 5K events in the region
In a world filled with large corporate races, the DLM Good Neighbor 5K stands out because it genuinely feels local, personal, and purposeful.
How to Register for the DLM Good Neighbor 5K
Runners and walkers can register online through the official race page:
Official DLM Good Neighbor 5K Registration
You can also learn more through:
If you’ve been searching for a fun Dayton 5K that combines fitness, food, family, and community impact, this is the race to add to your spring schedule.