0.5K Donut Dash Fun Run

The nonprofit community recreation center Samena Club wanted to design a community outreach event that celebrates the rich diversity of Bellevue’s multicultural and multigenerational neighborhoods and raises awareness of healthy lifestyles. The 0.5K Donut Dash does all this and more without taking itself too seriously. 'Donut worry, that cruller won't ruin your diet.'

What exactly is the Dash? -- Donuts. Disco. Dogs. Costumes. Prizes. Beer Garden. Karaoke. Positive vibes. Fitness events should not just be for skinny runners or swole gym rats, but for everyone.

Project scope: Event Design & Production, Marketing, & Advertising, Brand Identity, Strategy, Voice, Logo, Typography, Motion Design

Our team set out to design a branded community event that celebrates the rich diversity of cultures, races, religions, physical and neurological abilities and help raise awareness of healthy lifestyles all under the banner of a fun fitness event for the whole family.
Our goal was to connect our unique community, local health & wellness businesses, and the Samena Club and its mission to enrich the community through wellness, education, and fun.
With a distinctly irreverent and whimsical vibe, 'The Dash' is all about donuts and disco. Hot pink and disco balls. And of course karaoke!
We set out from the very beginning to build a brand voice infused with wit and whimsy. Puns and bright colors dominated.
Partners included local vendors including Super Jock & Jill, Vitamin Shoppe, and OutdoorsNW—brands participants support and rely on—in order to strengthen connections to health and wellness in our community. Inspired by healthcare workers in our community, 50% of the profits from the Dash went to the Seattle Children’s Hospital.
The art direction strives to create a retro, funny, and irreverent feeling for the event. We use cloying textures, a minimal yet vibrant palate, and a pseudo-psychedelic design system to create an immediately identifiable voice and vibe.
Why run the Donut Dash? Because you can. The Dash is not about competition. It’s about adventure and fun and a safe, inclusive and unique event for family and friends.
In 2022, Samena Donut Dashers ran a combined total [including dogs and strollers] of 26.5 miles, just over a full marathon!
Local businesses reinforced their commitment to helping our community live healthier lives.
By participating in the event, Dashers ‘walked [or wheeled or skipped or ran] the talk’. They took a step toward improving the way they make healthy choices.
Donut Dashers stepped out of their comfort zones, tried something funky and new, found community, and connected with friends and neighbors in ways they never would have if not for the 2022 Dash.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR/VIDEOGRAPHY
Daniel Flahiff
CLIENT
Samena Swim & Recreation Club
PRODUCER
Scott Polovitch-Davis
PRODUCTION COMPANY
Big Fig Design
MOTION DESIGN
After Darkness
MUSIC
Jingle Punks
SOFTWARE
After Effects, Media Encoder, Photoshop, Illustrator
GEAR
Canon EOS M6 ii, Nikon D5200, Samsung S21+, Rode Videomic, Mac