CHAMP’s 5K Run/Walk

September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and each year the local collaborative effort CHAMP brings the community together to honor children and families who have been affected. Slated for Saturday, Sept. 16, at Kiwanis Park in Tempe, CHAMP’s 5K Run/Walk unites more than 2,000 attendees.

CHAMP’s 5K Run/Walk is now in its 8th year raising funds to support children and families facing pediatric cancer, and registration is now open for attendees to participate in this year’s event.

Sponsoring partners for this year’s event include Aqua Tots Swim School, Canyon Coolers, The Gerber Foundation, and Digital Sunrise who have come together to make this year’s event truly special.

Funds generated at the event are distributed among 30 nonprofits whose missions are focused on those affected by childhood cancer including the Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children, Lily’s Pad, Beads of Courage and more helping finance everything from medical care and research to respite and support services for families.

Following the 5K walk/run, which welcomes participants of all abilities, athletes can enjoy a complimentary pancake breakfast. Supporters and spectators may also join the breakfast in exchange for a small donation.

Kicking off after breakfast is the CHAMPION Walk, which welcomes survivors, warriors and others walking in honor of a child. The event will also include a raffle giveaway, a silent auction, appearances by local sports team mascots and the Tempe Mounted Police, along with an array of interactive, family-friendly booths and activities throughout the event.

Registration for the CHAMP 5k starts at $26 for students, $35 for non-students and $30 for those registering as part of a team, with the top three male and female finishers in each age group taking home awards. Discounted rates are available to those registering as part of a team, and awards for the largest and most successful fundraising teams are also up for grabs. Along with breakfast, those who register will receive a tech shirt, medal and of course the opportunity to make a difference in the life of a child fighting cancer.

To learn more, donate to CHAMP, submit a request for a Bio Board or register an individual or team for the CHAMP 5k, visit SeptemberChamp.org.