Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes

Step Out: Walk to Stop Diabetes is the signature fundraising walk of the American Diabetes Association. Formerly Step Out: Walk to Fight Diabetes and America’s Walk for Diabetes, the event has been taking place for more than 20 years and has raised more than $175,000,000 to Stop Diabetes!

More than 120,000 participants from 120 walk events across the country came together last year to raise over $24 million.

Step Out Walks vary in length and each has its own local flavor, but some common themes can be found across all events:

Red Striders: A Red Strider is someone living with type 1, type 2 or gestational diabetes who participates in our events. They are given a Red Strider hat to wear on walk day and are recognized in many special ways. They are a reminder of why we walk!

Champions: Participants who raise $1,000 or more become “Champions to Stop Diabetes”. They are committed to doing everything they can to Stop Diabetes and are truly the backbone of our fundraising efforts. Once a participant sets their fundraising goal at $1,000 or higher, they receive the full support of their ADA staff partner to help achieve their goals. Each Champion receives a medal and other perks at and leading up to the event.

Teams: Teams come in all sizes—two or more people make a team! There are all types of teams involved with Step Out: corporations, families, clubs & organizations, and school groups build teams to walk for those who have been touched by diabetes.