Lydie's Loop 2026

What is Lydie's Loop, exactly?

It's a morning of community for all who have lost babies through perinatal and neonatal death and for those that support them. It's an upbeat event focusing on the love we have for our children, and a celebration of their lives. We wear their names proudly on our shirts, our race bibs, and our name tags, we read the names of these babies, and we show off their photos, footprints, and other sentimental items.

We begin with a kids' dash with kids of all ages racing (and laughing!) Then most participants walk 1 mile.

Please note that this year, the 5k will not be an option.,

Through it all, we have a raffle and silent with some amazing prizes and a balloon artist, Erica Carlson's Entertainment in Columbus and PhilIUP Balloons in Akron.

We may have a post-race gathering at a restaurant for those who wish to join!

How do I include a baby's name on the t-shirt?

You must register by 8/31/26 to include a baby's name on every Lydie's Loop t-shirt. When you register, you'll be asked to provide the baby's first, middle, and last name. Please list the name as you'd like it to be included on the t-shirt.

How do I begin?
You can register as an individual, create a team, or join a team. You can also register to volunteer at the event.

As an individual, you are pledging to participate but not fundraise. You can be a race day participant or “virtual” participant (who cannot attend the race but will receive a t-shirt in the mail after the event). You can also include a donation with your registration, if you would like.

If you create a team (many teams are in honor of a baby), you are pledging to fundraise. You’ll create your own personal page, share your story and photos, set goals, and get sponsors. With the help of social media, that’s really easy to do! If you fundraise $500 or more, you will be invited to design a sign that will be featured on the race course.

By joining a team, you are adding to the fundraising goal of that team. You are registering and participating as a member of that team. You can do that as a race-day participant or as a “virtual” participant.

You can also choose to donate just to the event or to a specific team!

Where is it located?

Events will take place rain or shine:

Akron: Bath Baseball Park 4600 Everett Rd, Akron, OH 44333

Columbus:Hannah Park, 6547 Clark State Rd Gahanna, OH 43230, Gahanna Ohio

How will I fundraise?

Even if you've never raised money before, social media, emails, and other outreach will make it easy for you to solicit and collect sponsorships from friends, family, colleagues, neighbors, and others. Make it personal, as you want them to know that they are sponsoring YOU and YOUR efforts! Tell your story, and you will be surprised to see how quickly friends, family, and co-workers will respond to your request to help this wonderful cause. And share often on social media! Additionally, many companies offer charitable donation matching programs, so make sure to ask your sponsors to check with their employers.

What are the raffle prizes?

We are working on this year’s prizes and gladly accept donations!

Are you looking for sponsors?

YES! Please see our sponsor page here

What are funds raised from the event used for?

Count the Kicks is an evidence-based stillbirth prevention and awareness campaign that teaches expectant parents the method for, and importance of, tracking fetal movement daily during the third trimester of pregnancy. Research shows that a change in movement is sometimes the only indication that a baby is in distress and needs to be checked by your doctor.

Each year in the U.S., nearly 21,000 babies are stillborn. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the annual number of stillbirths far
exceeds the top five leading causes of death among children aged 0-14 years combined,including unintentional injuries, congenital anomalies, pre-term birth, homicide, SIDS, and heart disease. Based on CDC provisonal 2024 data, the U.S. lost an average nearly 55 babies EVERY DAY. Research indicates that at least 25% of stillbirths are preventable. Thousands of lives could be saved annually.

Through the Count the Kicks campaign there is a community of moms who are in tune with their bodies and their babies, letting providers know when something feels off. Time and time again this system works and babies are being saved across the country.

All proceeds from Lydie’s Loop will be used to directly impact our mission to prevent stillbirth and save babies in Ohio and beyond by assisting with the expansion of Count the Kicks education and resources for Ohio maternal health workers, expectant parents and the community-based organizations that support them. Healthy Birth Day, Inc. is the 501(3)(c) creator of the Count the Kicks campaign. Learn more at www.countthekicks.org.

Who's fundraising?