ChadTough Defeat DIPG Superhero Sprint & 6K

The 11th Annual ChadTough Defeat DIPG Superhero Sprint & 6K, presented by Headfirst, is a fun and meaningful way to contribute to the fight against childhood brain tumors. This year's event is entirely virtual to allow all of our supporters the flexibility to participate whether you are near or far. Our virtual participants may sign up to walk, run, or do the activity of your choice, on your own, anytime in May 2026. 

Some families may gather supporters together to walk or run in their community. Please seek information from your team captain or check the section below for a list of local gatherings as they become available.

What is the deadline for registration?

Early Bird registration ends on Monday, February 28. Regular online registration closes on Thursday, May 26.  Registration is also available at packet pickup and on race day at the event at an increased price.

What do I get with my registration for the 6K?

6K race participants receive a race t-shirt, bib, and timing device (on bib).  Children who register for the 6K may also participate in the 1K Sprint or Tot Sprint at no additional charge.  Race shirts guaranteed only for registrations by Thursday, May 5, 2022. It is then first-come, first-served. 

What do I get with my registration for the 1K Sprint or Tot Sprint?

All 1K Sprint participants and Tot Sprint participants receive a race t-shirt.  Children will also receive prizes for participation. Race shirts guaranteed only for registrations by May 5, 2022. 

Do children need to register for the race?

The Superhero Sprint & 6K is a family-friendly event, and we welcome all children.  You have three options for your children:  the 6K, the 1K Sprint, or the Tot Sprint.  Children who register for the 6K may also participate in the 1K Sprint or Tot Sprint at no additional charge.  Children who are ages 5 and older who will be participating on the 6K race course should register for that event.

What is the 6K race course?
CLICK HERE to view the 6K race course map.  

What is involved in the kids’ runs?

There are two kids run options, and superhero costumes are welcome.  Please take care not to have accessories or long costumes that would create hazards for children participating.  

• Superhero 1K Sprint.  This provides an opportunity for children to have a real race feel for a modest distance, on a short out and back course on the road around the mall parking lot.  This will not be a timed event.  Children should be supervised at all times by an adult.

• Superhero Tot Sprint.  For our youngest participants, we will have a very short out and back within one of the side parking lots.  This is for toddlers. For the safety of the little ones, we will not have older children in this event.  Children should be supervised at all times by an adult.

Are strollers allowed?

Strollers are permitted in the Superhero 6K event and the Superhero 1K event.  To ensure the safety of all participants, strollers must line up at the back and not alongside the runners.  Strollers are not permitted in the Tot Sprint for the safety of our youngest participants.

Are pets allowed?

Pets are not permitted on the 6K or in the Tot Event, but they are permitted (with leashes) in the Superhero 1K Sprint.

Can I get my race t-shirt, bib, and timing device in advance?

Yes!  And we encourage you to do so!  Please pick up your race packet during one of the packet pickup times on Friday, May 27 or Saturday, May 28.  Packet pickup will be at Westfield Montgomery. (Specific location details will be provided closer to the dates.)

Can I register on race day?

Yes.  The race-day registration fee is $45.  Registration will be held at “Superhero Central,” our race village near the start/finish line.  T-shirts are not guaranteed for race-day registrants.

How do I create or join a Race Team?

After you click "Sign Up," you can join a "Group/Team."  You may also click on the "Group/Team" menu option on the left side of the race home page and follow directions to create or join a team.  Teams are encouraged to fundraise for the event.  Thank you for your support! 

What is the difference between a "Race Team" and a "Fundraising Team"?  Can I do both?  

The "Race Team" and "Fundraising Team" systems are separate, but you can create both!  

• "Race Teams" are individuals organized together for the actual race event to help rally people to register, organize, and build community spirit.  They are for social and scoring purposes.

• "Fundraising Teams" are used for collecting and tracking donations.  Groups of individuals can create a collective fundraising goal that all of their individual donations received will count towards.  We encourage Race Teams to also ensure they have a Fundraising Team set up under the same name to help us in the very important goal of raising funds for childhood brain cancer!   

Can I fundraise as an individual?

Absolutely!  The process of becoming a fundraiser is very straightforward.  Click on "Donate" on the top of the home screen or in the left-hand menu, and start by entering your name in the "Your Fundraiser Name" field.  (By default, fundraiser names auto-fill to be your name if logged in, because you are the fundraiser.)  You have the option to create or join a fundraising team.  You may become a fundraiser whether or not you register for the event.  Thank you for your support!

I don’t want to run or walk, but I would like to donate or fundraise for the event.

You may create a fundraising page for the event even if you do not want to register, and we encourage you to do so!   Go to the "Donate" tab, and click on "Become a Fundraiser."  You have the option to create or join a fundraising team.  You can also make donations through teams and individuals registered on the site.

Donations to ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, may also be made through the following methods:

• Donate online:  http://chadtough.org/donate.  You may include a note online that the donation is for the Superhero 6K and indicate the fundraiser you are supporting (if any). 

• Checks can be mailed to ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation, P.O. Box 907, Saline, MI  48176. Please include a note that the donation is for the Superhero 6K and indicate the fundraiser you are supporting (if any).    

ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 47-4041494).  Donations are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.

What happened to Michael Mosier Defeat DIPG Foundation?

In early 2021, Michael Mosier Defeat DIPG Foundation and The ChadTough Foundation united to become the ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation. From 2016 to 2021, both foundations worked, separately and as partners, to fund pediatric brain cancer research with a focus on DIPG. These two original foundations committed over $12 million in research funding across 21 institutions prior to uniting. The new foundation remains committed to this same, shared mission. In 2021, ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation committed over $4 million more to DIPG research. To learn more, please visit ChadTough.org. 

What happens if there is bad weather?

There are no refunds.  If it is raining on race morning, prepare to get wet! The race may be cancelled at the sole discretion of the Race Director if any of the following conditions exist on race morning: sustained winds in excess of 40 MPH, sustained lightning in the area, ACSM Code Black heat conditions, or any prolonged traffic or safety issues on the course roads.  These eventualities are not likely.  The Race Director will delay the start of the races as needed if any of these conditions are present until such time that they are no longer a safety concern.  In the event of a total cancelation, there will be no refunds.  

My plans have changed. Can I get a refund? 

There are no refunds for this event.  Fortunately, you can feel great about the fact that all proceeds from this event will be dedicated to research to find a cure to DIPG brain tumors, a deadly childhood cancer.

What happens if the event cannot take place due to COVID-19 regulations? Can I get a refund? 

There are no refunds for this event.  Fortunately, you can feel great about the fact that all proceeds from this event will be dedicated to research to find a cure to DIPG brain tumors, a deadly childhood cancer. In the event that the in-person event cannot go forward due to circumstances involving the COVID-19 pandemic, the event would be converted to a fully virtual event, and shirts would be mailed to participants.

You didn't answer my question.  Who can I contact for more information?

Please send an email to info@chadtough.org, and we'll be happy to assist you.  We will respond as quickly as possible.

We are excited to offer awesome fundraising incentives this year (see details below), for those who help us raise funds to Defeat DIPG!  We need you, so please sign up to Become a Fundraiser today! 100% of the race proceeds will be dedicated to research for treatments for the deadliest pediatric cancer:  DIPG brain tumors.  

Girl Scout Troop 33074, located in Bethesda, Maryland, has created a special patch that will be given to all Girl Scouts who participate in person or as a virtual runner in the 5th Defeat DIPG Superhero Sprint & 6K! 
 
At the end of the 2018-19 school year, the troop voted to use the fund they had collected through cookie sales to produce these special patches that raise awareness of the deadliest form of childhood brain cancer:  DIPG.  This is a cause that is special to the troop, as one of their members, Lila Mosier, lost her big brother Michael to DIPG when he was 6 years old and in kindergarten at Seven Locks Elementary School. 
 
The Superhero 6K event is hosted by Michael Mosier Defeat DIPG Foundation, and proceeds from the race event are used to support research to find a cure for this devastating disease.
 
We are so appreciative for this incredible initiative by these girls!  By participating, you will help raise awareness of DIPG, fund research for a cure, and also support this project they created to give back to the community.
 
For in-person participants, patches will be handed out at the race event.  A parent must accompany your Girl Scout to the Troop 33074 table and (1) add her name to the sign in list (with troop number) and (2) show the Girl Scout’s race bib. 
 
For virtual runners, we will send out the patches by mail (U.S. only, first class mail).

Westfield Montgomery Mall, 7101 Democracy Blvd

Packet pickup will be located at a storefront that is located next to Talbot's and across from the Lego store on the 1st floor of the mall.  The closest entrance is from the parking garage located near Entrance 3 where Forever 21 is located.

Friday, May 27
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Saturday, May 28
10:00 am – 4:00 pm 

**Participants are strongly encouraged to pick up their race packets during one of these time windows, if at all possible.  You may have a friend or family member pick up your race packet.  Race packet pickup will be available on race day between 7:00 - 7:45 am.  If you pick up your race packet on race day, your t-shirt may not still be available.  Be sure to arrive early if you will get your race packet on May 29.

Friday, May 27
4:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Saturday, May 28
10:00 am – 4:00 pm 

Packet pickup will be located at Westfield Montgomery Mall, 7101 Democracy Blvd, in a storefront that is located next to Talbot's and across from the Lego store on the 1st floor of the mall.  The closest entrance is from the parking garage located near Entrance 3 where Forever 21 is located.

**Participants are strongly encouraged to pick up their race packets during one of these time windows, if at all possible.  You may have a friend or family member pick up your race packet.  Race packet pickup will be available on race day between 7:00 - 7:45 am.  If you pick up your race packet on race day, your t-shirt may not still be available.  Be sure to arrive early if you will get your race packet on May 29.

8:00 am – Opening ceremony, including recognition of childhood cancer participants

8:30 am – Superhero 6K Walk/Run begins

9:30 am – Superhero 1K Sprint & Superhero Tot Sprint 

10:00 am – Closing ceremony, including recognition of top finishers and fundraisers

Superhero Central -- our race village -- will be open throughout the event with entertainment for all. Please note that the activities available will depend on circumstances surrounding COVID-19 at the time of the event. We prioritize the health and safety of our participants.

CLICK HERE for a Map of the Race Location.

The Superhero 6K event will include countless kids and adults dressed as their favorite superheroes.  But, the real superheroes who we honor and fight for every day are the amazing boys and girls who demonstrate incredible bravery as they fight childhood cancer.  

It will be our honor to include your superhero alongside others on our Salute Our Superheroes Wall.  We welcome submissions for any child who is battling cancer or has battled cancer in the past.  Sharing their pictures and stories is so important.  We want people to see the faces of the inspiring children who are fighting with their might.  We want to honor our survivors.  And, we want to remember those whose faces, names, and stories will never be forgotten.

To submit your child's name, story, and photo, please CLICK HERE.

Thank you for allowing us to honor your child. 

**2026 SPONSORSHIP PACKET IS AVAILABLE HERE!**

Join us as a sponsor for the 2026 ChadTough Defeat DIPG Superhero Sprint & 6K and help raise research funds for childhood brain cancer!  Sponsors must commit by March 2, 2026.

Sponsorships are tax deductible to the full extent provided by the law and offer fantastic business development and marketing opportunities for your company. 

You may also email info@chadtough.org to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.  

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! 

Friday, February 28 - Last day for Early Bird registration. Prices go up March 1, 2026.  

Monday, March 2 - Deadline to meet race team goals for child's name on back of shirt.

Thursday, April 9 - Last day to register to receive shirt/bib by May 1, 2026 (Brain Tumor Awareness Month). 

Wednesday, April 22 - Last day to register to receive shirt/bib by May 17, 2026 (DIPG Awareness Day).

April 23 - May 17 - Shirts will ship in June.

Saturday, May 17 - Last day for registration.

We will be working hard to get race shirts and bibs mailed out as quickly as possible, in accordance with the dates outlined above. We ask for your understanding if there are delays beyond our control with the U.S. Postal Service. 

Here is a list of local events hosted in honor of our childhood cancer superheroes, as part of the Virtual Superhero 6K:

• May 2 – Team Brody:  The Townsend family is hosting a gathering to run the race on Sat, May 2, at The Oakwood Clubhouse in Lakeland, TN. They’d love to have people join them to run/walk with Team Brody! More details to come.

• May 16 – Karisa's Unicorns:  On Saturday May 16, Karisa's friends and family will gather at Lake Atalanta in Rogers, Arkansas, bright and early at 7 a.m., for their annual walk in honor of DIPG Awareness Day (May 17) and in memory of Karisa.

• May 16 – Malin's No Throwaway Days:  Join the Opitz family at the Roller Skating Banana Statue at Rebsamen Park in Little Rock, AR. Follow the Malin's No Throwaway Days Facebook page for more specific details closer to the event.

BACK FOR 2026!  The Superhero 6K is so special because of the many families who participate in honor of their kids. It's the children who are our heroes! This year we will again be listing the names of kids who have inspired the Superhero 6K race teams on the back of the race shirt as our 2026 Childhood Brain Cancer Superheroes. 

How do you make this happen? The team needs to meet one or both of the participation goals listed below by MARCH 2, 2026:

1. Create a race team in honor of a child who has fought (or is currently fighting) childhood brain cancer and get a minimum of 10 people to register on your team, AND/OR

    

2. Create a fundraiser and raise a minimum of $500. 

   
   

We encourage you to get your team set up and spread the word right away! To meet our printing deadline, teams must complete one of the participation goals by March 2, 2026, to have their child's name added for this year's shirt. Once you reach your goal, the team captain(s) will be contacted to confirm the child's name.

The Mosier family created the Superhero 6K race in 2016 in honor of their son Michael Mosier, a 6-year-old little boy from Bethesda, MD, who battled DIPG for 8.5 months before passing away in May 2015. This is our 11th Annual Superhero 6K event, marking 11 years since Michael passed away. It has been an honor for this event to include many dozens of childhood cancer families over the years, and we can't wait to welcome back so many supporters who participate in honor of many special childhood cancer fighters.
 
All proceeds from the race will benefit ChadTough Defeat DIPG Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization which the Mosier family co-founded alongside the Carr family. In the fight for a DIPG/DMG cure, we help patients and families by funding game-changing research and providing navigation throughout their journey.
 
Brain tumors are the leading cause of childhood cancer death for children and adolescents under the age of 19. DIPG (diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma) is the most lethal form of pediatric brain cancer. There is now hope for progress in the battle against DIPG, and your participation can make an impact and help save these kids' lives!