The 2026 Cohen Family Upstander 5K & Family Day, generously supported by Buzz & Connie Dow, brought together runners, walkers, families, and community members at historic Union Terminal for a morning celebrating resilience, community, and the power of standing up for others.
Participants enjoyed a scenic 5K through Cincinnati’s West End and Price Hill before returning to Union Terminal for a lively Family Day featuring therapy dogs, Taylor Swift-inspired friendship bracelet making, medal bedazzling, a hair and face glitter bar, the Strengths in Bloom flower cart, pickleball, live music, and interactive activities hosted by community partners.
Following the race, guests gathered in Reakirt Auditorium for an inspiring conversation between Boston Marathon pioneer Kathrine Switzer and acclaimed author and running historian Roger Robinson, moderated by Holocaust & Humanity Center CEO Jackie Congedo. Together, they explored the themes of perseverance, resilience, and the power of everyday actions to create meaningful change.
The program also featured the presentation of the 2026 Dr. Al Miller Upstander 5K Perseverance Award to Lauren and Justin Berg. Their extraordinary resilience, determination, and commitment in the face of life-changing challenges embody the legacy of Dr. Al Miller, a Holocaust survivor, U.S. Army veteran, and lifelong advocate whose courage continues to inspire others.
Throughout the day, attendees also had the opportunity to support Echoing Voices: Unpacking History, the Holocaust & Humanity Center’s hands-on educational program that brings survivor stories and primary source investigations into classrooms. Donations help ensure students continue to engage with powerful stories of survival, resilience, and rebuilding through the experiences of Holocaust survivors connected to Cincinnati.
The Cohen Family Upstander 5K & Family Day celebrated the strength of our community and reinforced the belief that every step we take—on the course and beyond—can help build a more compassionate and just future.
Cohen Family Upstander Month is generously supported by Duke Energy, Procter & Gamble, Cincinnati Museum Center, and the Mayerson Family Foundation.
