Blade 5K and 1Mile Walk + Virtual Event

Sat, Jul 11, 2026, 4:10 AM CDT

Location: College of Saint Mary campus/Anywhere You Want!, 7000 Mercy Rd., Omaha, NE 68106
Type: Run

Official registration Past results

Finish signup on the organizer site (check fees and dates there).

Race feel

Run or walk to support individuals with limb differences in achieving active lifestyles through specialized devices.

For a Cause

The Blade 5K and 1 Mile Walk began with a powerful mission: to help Nate Wigdahl, an amputee, run again. What started as a fundraiser for his running blade quickly grew into a nonprofit dedicated to assisting individuals with limb differences. This event now provides specialized devices like running blades, tandem bikes, and wheelchairs, empowering recipients to embrace active lifestyles. Join in-person or virtually to support this inspiring cause and help grow the amputee community.

What to expect

Participate in a 5K run or a 1 Mile walk.
Choose to join in-person at College of Saint Mary's campus or virtually from anywhere.
Contribute directly to providing specialized devices for amputees.

Standout details

Supports individuals with limb differences

From the organizer

How we started:

In 2018, our friend and former Ironman Nate Wigdahl, had recently become an amputee due to a devastating injury. He desperately wanted to start running again and we knew that we could count on Omaha's running community to help him achieve his dream. He knew that insurance wouldn't cover the cost of a running blade and he knew he had his work cut out for him. So Nate and a few friends decided to host a 5K fundraiser, and called it The Blade 5K . The quickly put-together event was a huge success and with the funds raised we were able to purchase a blade for Nate. Nate had an even deeper desire to help other amputees to overcome obstacles to living their best healthy lifestyle.

Our momentum:

In 2019, The Blade 5K obtained 501(c)(3) nonprofit status, and began holding monthly board meetings. The Board of Directors created a nomination process, so that other deserving amputees could apply to receive the proceeds from our race to pay for the (non-covered) cost of the specialized device. July of 2019, The Blade 5K raised the funds needed to help our second recipient, Chris, get the blade he needed to get back to his healthy running lifestyle.

In 2020, the world threw us a curveball and we shifted our event from an in-person race, to a virtual format. We shattered our previous record, and raised enough funds to help 9 year old Nathan get not one , but two running blades so he could achieve his dream of keeping up with his friends. The Blade 5K doesn't believe in limits, and after seeing the success of our first virtual event, we realized that the convenience of a virtual event actually helps more people!

In 2021, The Blade 5K Run and 1 Mile Walk raised funds to help three individuals get devices to get them back to their active lifestyle. Jim received a running blade, Anita received a tandem bike, and Connie received a wheelchair.

In 2022, we were fortunate enough to help another 2 recipients. Jessica received a specialized leg and Kyel received a Grit wheelchair. They are now able to participate in the events/activities they once loved.

In 2023, The Blade 5K raised enough funds to help 3 individuals get them back to their active lifestyle. Benjamin received a running blade, Sara also received a running blade, and Carter received a prosthetic to help him with everyday activities including sports.