Hike for Headache Health

This is the 11th Annual Clusterbusters #CureforCluster Virtual 5k, but also the 2nd Annual event surrounding the DC AHDA Headache on the Hill: A Visual Installation AND this year we are ALSO partnering with Chronic Migraine Awareness to raise even more awareness to the devastation of headache disease.

The installation aims to visually and emotionally depict the vast impact that headache and migraine disorders have on millions of Americans. Thousands of purple flags will cover the National Mall Park near the nation’s Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. in representation of those affected by headache disease.

Participants will choose which of the three organizations they would like their registration fee to be attributed to, or you can choose to have it split between all 3.

Clusterbusters is a non-profit supporting, educating, advocating, and supporting research for those experiencing cluster headache. Cluster headache affects 1 in 1000 people and is often nicknamed the "suicide headache" because it is medically acknowledged as 10/10 pain.

Chronic Migraine Awareness is a non-profit empowering the chronic migraine community through awareness, advocacy, and early intervention. The devastation of chronic migraine has lead to a loss of hope and sadly those who have died by suicide to escape the pain.

Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy and The Headache Alliance secures equitable policies for those impacted by headache disorders. Headache diseases affect more than 40 million people in the U.S. and 1 billion people globally.

Participants in this 5k help raise awareness for headache diseases. By participating in person in Washington, DC, by participating virtually, and in your local area - those seeing the posts, t-shirts, and efforts will be educated that headache diseases are devastating and we need more support, research, and education.

Share Your Progress and Participation on Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) using the #HikeForHeadacheHealth or #CureforCluster hashtag. The main goals of our annual virtual event are to fund research, spread awareness, and support the headache community. By “going live” or taking photos of yourself or your team/regional group of runners, you can help us flood social media with inspirational images and messages of headache patients. There may be someone in your area who is struggling without a support system and can benefit from your efforts to raise awareness.

EVENTS

LIVESTREAM KICKOFF

A virtual livestream will kick off this event on Saturday, June 7 at 10am British time for those in Europe/Global Community and 9 am ET for those in the US. Check your local time zone. The videos will be visible on our Clusterbusters Facebook Page.

IN PERSON OPTION:

Event Name: Hike for Headache Health Date: June 23, 2026 Location: Washington, DC Installation Area

VIRTUAL OPTION: As always - you can participate ANY day in the month of June and share your progress and updates throughout the month.

This year instead of shipping race bags, participants can choose their branded items at:

A virtual 5k can be run or walked at any location, so you can join us from anywhere in the world. You can use a treadmill at home or in a gym. You can run outside in your neighborhood or at a local park. You can bring your children, use strollers, or participate in a wheelchair. There’s no time limit, so you can run or walk 3.1 miles (5 kilometers) at your own pace. Your pets can even participate with you!

Lastly, June is Headache and Migraine Awareness Month, so feel free to add purple to your race gear to show support for all who suffer from head pain.

Proceeds will support Clusterbusters, Chronic Migraine Awareness, and the Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy (AHDA).

You can form a team to participate, and teams can fundraise together. Also, you can support us as an individual by sharing your participation in this event with friends and family and encouraging them to donate in your name on your fundraising page.

Prizes will be awarded to the 3 individuals and the 3 teams who raise the most funds.

Safety Warnings: Always follow the precautions advised for your health needs and be respectful of others around you. You can even bring your oxygen tank with you as participants have in the past. No matter where you’re running or walking on race day, make sure you have plenty of water available. If someone falls behind, make sure everyone is accounted for when you reach the end.