Registration Open For 2022 Christmas Without Cancer 5K Run/Walk

EVERGREEN, IL – Plans are in the works for the eighth annual Christmas Without Cancer 5K Run/Walk Saturday, Sept. 17. The 5K steps off at 9 a.m. at Circle/Klein Park, 97th Street and Homan Avenue, Evergreen Park.

This year, the organization will be honoring a number of local childhood cancer warriors who are currently battling or have lost their battle to this awful disease. The Christmas Without Cancer 5K Run/Walk is one of the largest races in the city, and the most important fundraiser of the year for the organization, with over 1000 participants taking part to raise funds for people and families who are battling cancer.

Last year’s 5K – the first since the COVID-19 pandemic – was the largest to date with over 1,200 participants, raising over $70,000. The organization hopes to exceed those numbers, with the goal of raising $100,000.

Registration is now available by visiting Christmas Without Cancer 5K. A virtual race option is also available. Online registration will close on Sept. 7, with walk-up registration available on race day and packet pick-up.

Individual registration is $30. Family registration, which includes a minimum of four family members and a maximum of six, is available for $120. Day-of registration will also be available for individuals for $35, and families for $130. Day of race/on-site registration will be open from 7 am to 8:30 a.m. on Sept. 10. Day-of-race registration T-shirts will be on a first come, first served basis. Supplies and sizes may be limited.

Registration is now open by visiting Christmas Without Cancer 5K. Those who register prior to July 31 may use a discount code of “CWC2022” for $5 off of registration.

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 29, 2022 to guarantee a race T-shirt.

The run/walk will be split into age groups, beginning at ages 1 – 9, and above. The top male and female in each age range will be awarded a trophy. Additionally, a winner will be chosen for the most festive Christmas outfit, and top individual and team fundraisers will be awarded a VISA gift card.

Packet Pick-up will take place Wednesday, Sept. 14 and Thursday, Sept. 15 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Hamilton B. Maher (Evergreen Park) Community Center, 3450 W. 97th St. Evergreen Park.

“Last year, we experienced our largest year to date in terms of participants and money raised, and we hope to smash all fundraising goals this year, so that we can continue to provide year-round support to numerous families in the Chicago area who have been impacted by cancer,” said Renee Copeland, vice president of Christmas Without Cancer. “For those families who are battling cancer, there is a tremendous financial burden that impacts every single day of their life, and adds to the stress that they are already going through. Our organization works tirelessly to relieve some of that burden, and hopefully spread a little cheer to families who need it most.”

It is through fundraising events like the 5K Run/Walk that Christmas Without Cancer achieves its mission to help those who are already going through unimaginable stress.

“I hope that everyone who has been affected by cancer – whether personally or through a friend or family member - will sign up for our 5K Run/Walk,” Copeland said.

Since 2003, Christmas Without Cancer has aided thousands of people across the Chicago area by providing holiday gifts, as well as 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 help with mortgage payments, rent, tuition, daycare, and travel related expenses for treatment.

For sponsorship opportunities, please email christmaswithoutcancer@gmail.com