On the front (south) grounds of the State Capitol

The main purpose of the Designer Genes Walk for Down Syndrome is to raise awareness and acceptance of the potential for individuals with Down syndrome to earn, live, learn, work, and contribute to their community. Our main effort is not fundraising, which is why our walk is structured different than other walks.

You can come to the walk as early as 9 a.m. CST to set up your team area in the Team Village. Starting at 10 a.m. CST, there will be fun things to do which include entertainment, activities, spending time wth favorite community members, and photo opportunities to name a few.

From 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., you can register at the Registration Tent. It is under the large white tent on the Capitol grounds.

Yes! You can register at bit.ly/everystepbuildsbelonging. Our online site does allow families and friends to sign up before the walk. You can support a Walk Team, make a donation, or reserve an official walk shirt with a donation.

Registrations with a donation of $25 which includes a t-shirt order will cut-off on September 18, 2026. Donations are welcome indefinitely.

Yes! While we do not ask walkers and Teams to raise a certain amount of money to participate in the walk, we welcome everyone who wants to walk with Designer Genes, donations made at this event help to fuel our organization’s programs and activities throughout the year. Donations are very much appreciated.

Designer Genes also asks for Walk Sponsors in the months and weeks before the walk. Walk sponsors are businesses and companies that are friends of our Designer Genes families who want to support our organization. If you know of a business or sponsor, please let us know by contacting us by email: info@designergenesnd.com or by phone: 701-751-2071.

Yes! Walkers who have decided to join us on the day of the walk can donate when they register at the registration tent. We can process credit card donations at the walk.

There are fun things to do starting at 10 a.m. This includes entertainment, activities, hanging out with favorite community members, and photo opportunities. At 11 a.m., there will be a special program to kick off the walk. This will take place on the front Capitol steps. The walk with start shortly after.

Everyone thats there for the walk starts behind the Our Place Motorcycle Club. The walk is one mile long, which is three loops around the south grounds of the Capitol. The three loops are symbolic of Trisomy 21, which is the chromosomal diagnosis name for Down syndrome. Our goal has been to have enough people at the walk to completely loop the grounds - we are getting closer every year!

Yes! Motorized carts and wheelchairs are also easily accommodated on the walk. If it’s a device that’s needed to make sure an individual can participate, we are open to it. Pets must be on a leash.

Yes! We will have port-a-potties available (one accessible) at the Capitol. The Heritage Center bathrooms are also available and accessible.

Decide ahead of time and tell your team and invited folks that you’ll be on the west (or east) side of the steps or in the middle of the south grounds in the team village. Feel free to set up a tent or a cabana of your own on the south grounds to designate a spot. Feel free to bring a sign, flag, or other items to help people find you. Please remember that we are closing off the road that loops the south Capitol grounds by 9:30 a.m. If you need to unload, please do so prior to that.

Teams and large groups can pre-register at charity.pledgeit.org/BuildBelonging. Many teams have their own t-shirts to make it easier to find each other. This is not a requirement.

Not at all! Your presence and your support are all that matter. Please come and join us for a fun morning.

We serve a lunch at the Capitol grounds and everyone is invited to stay and continue to visit amongst one another. Bring lawn games and play frisbee or whiffle ball, stay to watch the inclusive flag football game, or roll up your sleeves and volunteer to take down the Walk decorations. There is no extra charge for the meal and we would love for you to stay.

Contact Kendra Vander Wal at (701) 751 - 2071 or by email at info@designergenesnd.com