Blue Ribbon Run
When is Blue Ribbon Run?
Blue Ribbon Run takes place on Saturday, March 28, 2026 in Wilmington, NC.
What distances does Blue Ribbon Run offer?
Blue Ribbon Run offers 4 events: 1.5 MILE, 5K, 5K - FAMILY OF 4 OR MORE - INDIVIDUAL, Virtual Run.
| Event | Distance | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 MILE | 1.5 mi | $20.00 | Register |
| 5K | 3.1 mi | $35.00 | Register |
| 5K - FAMILY OF 4 OR MORE - INDIVIDUAL | 3.1 mi | $25.00 | Register |
| Virtual Run | 3.1 mi | $30.00 | Register |
How much does Blue Ribbon Run cost?
Registration for Blue Ribbon Run starts at $20.00. Prices vary by event distance.
Where is Blue Ribbon Run held?
Blue Ribbon Run is held in Wilmington, NC at Long Leaf Park.
About Blue Ribbon Run
WHAT
THE BLUE RIBBON RUN
The Blue Ribbon Run is an annual event raising money and awareness for a cure for colorectal cancer, while helping North Carolina families affected by this disease.
The Blue Ribbon Run is unique in its afternoon start time with a reception after at Dockside. The band Lunar Tide creates an atmosphere for celebration of life and hope to find a cure.
The t-shirt designs are a local favorite and blue hydrangeas are sold with all profits benefiting the goal of saving lives.
DATE
Saturday, March 28, 2026
LOCATION
Long Leaf Park
314 Pine Grove Drive
Wilmington, NC 28409
DISTANCES OFFERED
5K - Run or Walk | This is a Timed event
1.5 Mile - Run or Walk | This event is not timed
TO REGISTER
Click on SIGN UP at the top right
*To Register at Packet Pickup or Race Day: To register at packet pickup or race morning, we will provide a QR code for you to register on your phone. You can also register online from your phone or device up until the race starts.
SCHEDULE of EVENTS
Click HERE for Schedule of Events
HOW YOUR REGISTRATION MAKES A DIFFERENCE
The Blue Ribbon Run is a nonprofit for the Julie M. Brown and Christina Gianoplus Colon Cancer Foundation, which has an endowment established at UNC Lineberger. Partnering with Wilmington Gastroenterology, our goal is to raise awareness for early detection and prevention of colon cancer. We are proud to have made an invaluable impact on this community and are grateful for the sponsors and participants who help us continue in our fight against colon cancer.
To Learn More, visit the Blue Ribbon Run website HERE
Course Map
Schedule
FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2026
PRE-RACE PACKET PICKUP
Mad Mole
6309 Boathouse Rd
Wilmington, NC 28403
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Can't make it to Pre-Race Packet Pickup? Family or a friend can pick up your packet for you. You can pick up race morning as well, however we strongly encourage you to pick up on Friday to avoid lines on race day.
SATURDAY, MARCH 28, 2026
RACE DAY
Long Leaf Park
314 Pine Grove Drive
Wilmington, NC
2:30 PM - Registration / Packet Pickup Opens
4:00 PM - 5K Starts
4:05 PM - 1.5 Mile Starts right after 5K
5:00 PM - After Party at Dockside at Wrightsville Beach
*To Register at Packet Pickup or Race Day: To register at packet pickup or race morning, we will provide a QR code for you to register on your phone. You can also register online from your phone or device up until the race starts.