HOPE…It’s a Beach Thing 5K Walk/Run 2026 — Dayton, OH

Date
September 12, 2026
Location
Dayton, OH
Venue
University of Dayton Humanities Plaza
Start Time
10:00 AM
Entry Fee
$30.00
Events
15th Annual HOPE...It's a Beach Thing 5K Walk/Run
Includes
T-Shirt

The HOPE…It's a Beach Thing 5K starts at 10:00 AM, giving you a reasonable morning window for travel into Dayton. The race takes place at the University of Dayton Humanities Plaza on September 12, 2026, and offers a 5K distance in walk/run format. Entry is $30. The event is straightforward in scope: a single distance option on a university campus venue, making logistics simple for out-of-town participants. If you're planning to stay nearby, you'll want accommodation within reasonable driving distance of the UD campus to start your race morning without excessive early wake-up calls.

From the Race Organizer
HOPE…It’s a Beach Thing is a 5K Walk/Run held in memory of Tim Beach, who passed away from a glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) brain tumor in 2012, at age 53. After his initial surgery, Tim was given three to six months to live, possibly a year with treatment. Through clinical trials and with the help of knowledgeable physicians, Tim outlived his prognosis, surviving 21 months. Most of these months, he lived with a high quality of life, enjoying major life events like his daughter’s engagement, son’s wedding, and when his future son-in-law asked for Tim’s blessing on a marriage proposal. HOPE…It’s a Beach Thing was inspired by Tim’s passion for running and his love of the University of Dayton. Over the past fourteen years, the event has raised $809,000 in net profit for brain tumor research, led by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute's Dr. David Reardon. Just last year, in our 14th event, more than 315 participants came out to support brain tumor research, helping us raise an a historic high of $77,000! Tim’s family and friends HOPE that through brain tumor research, we will find a cure. Please join us in our fundraising effort again this year!

Hotels Near This Race

Find accommodation close to the start line in Dayton, OH. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.

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HOPE…It’s a Beach Thing 5K Walk/Run 2026 — Dayton, OH

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Race Travel Insurance

Don't forget travel insurance for September 12.

You've trained for months and booked a trip to Dayton, OH. A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing. Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it, and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run 5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no additional coverage needed.

  • Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
  • Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
  • Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
  • Emergency medical up to $250,000
  • Cancel For Any Reason add-on available
  • 24/7 real-time support

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is HOPE…It’s a Beach Thing 5K Walk/Run 2026 — Dayton, OH?

HOPE…It’s a Beach Thing 5K Walk/Run 2026 — Dayton, OH takes place on September 12, 2026. The race is held in Dayton, Ohio.

Where is HOPE…It’s a Beach Thing 5K Walk/Run 2026 — Dayton, OH held?

HOPE…It’s a Beach Thing 5K Walk/Run 2026 — Dayton, OH is held at University of Dayton Humanities Plaza in Dayton, Ohio.

Where can I find hotels near HOPE…It’s a Beach Thing 5K Walk/Run 2026 — Dayton, OH?

RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Dayton. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.