Spotlight Q&A on the Form Follows Fitness 5K
(Featured photo: Patrick Glenn, Norman Alson)
What began as an idea during a walk through the Dallas Arts District has evolved into one of North Texas’ most impactful civic fundraising traditions. Celebrating its 15th anniversary, the Form Follows Fitness 5K has now generated more than $2 million benefiting The Architecture and Design Foundation. The 5K raises funds that create opportunities for students, support research, expand public education and connect residents to the beauty and importance of the built environment.
We caught up with Patrick Glenn of Glenn Partners design firm and co-founder of Form Follows Fitness 5K, and Norman Alston, president-elect of The Architecture and Design Foundation, to discuss the race’s evolution, community impact and why Dallas architecture continues to inspire.
Q: Patrick, take us back to the beginning. How did the idea for Form Follows Fitness first come to life?
Patrick Glenn: The idea really started during an AD EX Arts District Walking Tour in 2010. My wife and business partner, Briar Glenn, and I were walking through the Dallas Arts District and talking about how incredible it would be to create an event that connected health, community and architecture in a more engaging and visible way. What began as a simple conversation has grown into a Dallas tradition that celebrates architecture and generates support for programs that educate, inspire and connect people to the power and potential of the built environment.
Q: Fifteen years later, what accomplishment makes you most proud?
Patrick Glenn: Without question, it’s the impact. Surpassing $2 million raised is incredible, but what matters most is how those funds have supported public programming, research and youth education initiatives through The Architecture and Design Foundation. It’s also rewarding to see how the race has strengthened the connection between the public and the architecture and design community.
Q: Norman, why do you think this event resonates so deeply with Dallas?
Norman Alston: I love that the race was born out of simply walking through the city and appreciating the architecture. That says so much about Dallas. Our built environment is inspiring, and this event gives people an opportunity to experience the city in a completely different way. It reflects the spirit of Dallas — civic pride, design excellence and community connection all coming together.
Q: The race has become much bigger than a 5K. How has it evolved over the years?
Patrick Glenn: It has truly become a community movement. Today, it brings together the architecture, engineering, construction, planning and fitness communities in a way we never imagined. Beyond race day, the event has created deeper industry partnerships and helped expand programs like Designing My Future, Build Your City! and public architecture programming that reaches families and students throughout North Texas.
Q: Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of Form Follows Fitness?
Norman Alston: The potential to inspire the next generation. Architecture shapes every part of our lives, and this event helps people better understand that connection. As Dallas continues to grow, events like Form Follows Fitness remind us that thoughtful design and community engagement matter. I think the next 15 years could have an even greater impact than the first.
(Courtesy photos.)
(Philanthropy Lifestyles promotion.)
