Christmas Without Cancer 5K Hopes To Raise $100K, Registration Open

EVERGREEN PARK, IL – One of the south suburbs’ most beloved organizations – Christmas Without Cancer – will host its ninth annual 5K Run/walk which will kick off Saturday, Sept. 16 in Evergreen Park. The 5K starts at 9 a.m. in Circle/Klein Park, 97th Street and Homan Ave.

This is one of the largest races in the Chicago region and the most important fundraiser of the year for the organization. Over 1,200 participants are anticipated to raise funds for people and families who are battling cancer. Last year’s event raised $75,000. This year, Christmas Without Cancer hopes to exceed those numbers, with the goal of raising $100,000.

“Our annual 5K Run/Walk is so incredibly important to our organization, as it allows us to provide year-round support to numerous families in the Chicagoland area who have been impacted by cancer,” said Renee Copeland, vice president of Christmas Without Cancer. “We were blown away last year by the turnout, and had so many supporters and families who came out for this amazing day.”

Online registration is now available by visiting Christmas Without Cancer 5K. Registered participants will receive a T-shirt, medal, with an option for chip timing available for those who choose to run the course. Runners and walkers must register BEFORE August 25, 2023 to guarantee a race T-shirt. Online registration will close Wednesday, September 6th.

A virtual race option is also available.

Individual registration is $40. Day of race/on-site registration will be open from 7 to 8:30 a.m. (Please note: Day of race registration t-shirts will be first come, first served basis. Supplies and sizes will be limited.) In-person registration will also be available at the Hamilton B. Maher Community Center, 3450 W. 97th Street, Evergreen Park, from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13, and from 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14.

New this year, supporters who form fundraisers that raise over $250 will be given an embroidered hat. Those that raise $500 or more will be given a hat and a “Proud Supporter” shirt.

The run/walk will be split into age groups, beginning with ages 1 – 9, and above. The top male and female finisher in each age range will be awarded a trophy.

“It really is heartwarming to have a mini Christmas-like event in September, complete with holiday music, people dressing in costumes, ugly sweaters, and more,” Copeland said. “And most importantly, it gives us the opportunity to honor some of the most amazing warriors who are going through an unimaginable time.”

Get some great exposure for your company, business or organization by becoming a sponsor of the Christmas Without Cancer 5K.

Since 2003, Christmas Without Cancer has aided thousands of people across the Chicagoland area by providing holiday gifts, as well as basic necessities to local families that are stricken with cancer. The organization quietly identifies and adopts multiple families throughout the year and supplies them with gift cards for groceries, medications, gas, and other “need” items, as well as helping with mortgage payments, rent, tuition, daycare, and travel-related expenses for treatment.

Circle/Klein Park is located at 9719 South Homan in Evergreen Park.

For sponsorship opportunities, please email christmaswithoutcancer@gmail.com

For more information, visit the Christmas Without Cancer 5K Run/Walk.