Gabriella's 5K Cupcake Run

Gabriella’s Smile Foundation is hosting their Annual 5k Cupcake Run presented by Superior Mobile Health on May 16, 2026. This is a family friendly event for everyone and kids ages 0-14 can register as official participants. 

Gabriella’s 5K Cupcake Run is a fun and meaningful annual event that brings the community together to support pediatric cancer families. Hosted by Gabriella’s Smile Foundation, the run takes place on May 16, 2026, and offers participants a chance to run, walk, or stroll through a scenic 5K course—all while honoring the memory of Gabriella and spreading awareness for childhood cancer.

What makes this event extra sweet? Every participant gets a delicious cupcake at the finish line! Whether you’re a competitive runner, a casual walker, or just there for the cupcakes, the event is designed for all ages and fitness levels. Families, teams, and individuals come together to celebrate hope, resilience, and community spirit.

All proceeds from the event directly benefit pediatric cancer families, helping provide financial assistance, support programs, and resources to those navigating a childhood cancer diagnosis. Join us for a day filled with energy, smiles, and of course—cupcakes!

 

ABOUT THE RACE

Gabriella’s 5k Cupcake Run and Gabriella’s Smile Foundation is named after Gabriella Elise Torres, who was 5 when she battled Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), a terminal form of brain cancer. She died just 8 days after her 6th birthday on November 7, 2015.

Gabriella’s 5k Cupcake Run is the first of its kind here in the San Antonio community for Brain Tumor Awareness Month, which is in May. It’s the first 5k dedicated exclusively to raising awareness for DIPG and pediatric brain cancer in our community.

 

ENTRY FEES

IN-PERSON EVENT AND VIRTUAL RUNNER OPTIONS FOR ADULTS & KIDS 

*This year t-shirts will be made available for an additional fee thru April 17. Not included in the registration. Limited number of shirts available while supplies last.  

Option 1: In person- MEDAL ONLY NO T-SHIRT (medal given out at finish line after race completion) 

$25 through March 31
$30 through May 13
$35 late registration May 14-16 (Prefer you register ONLINE, limited in-person registration)

$20 Kids 0-14 

Option 2: Stay Home option- Virtual Runner MEDAL ONLY 

$30 through April 17

$20 Kids 0-14 

Packet mailed week after the run

 

PACKET PICK-UP

Packet pick-up will be on

Thursday, May 14 TBD

Friday, May 15 at the Children’s Cancer Support Center at 477 Spencer Lane San Antonio, Texas 78201 from 10 AM- 4 PM

Packets will also be available for pick up on Saturday, May 16 starting at 6:30 AM before the race.  Packets not picked up by race day, will NOT be mailed out. Medals will only be handed out at the finish line and will NOT be mailed out for in person participants.

*No refunds will be available in the event you are unable to attend on race day or if the event is cancelled for reasons beyond our control. 

 

RACE DAY SCHEDULE-TBD

7:55 AM Welcome on behalf of GSF. Introduce Emcee

8:00 AM Pre-Race Program starts

8:10 AM Prayer/ Remember our angels

8:15 AM National Anthem

8:20 AM Warm-Up 

8:25 AM Runners start lining up

8:30 AM Race starts

No refunds will be available in the event you are unable to attend on race day or if the event is cancelled for reasons beyond our control.

Gabriella's 5K Cupcake Run is a  USATF Sanctioned event and chip timed (Results based on official gun time)
Awards and prizes for:
$150 Gift Card for 1st Place Overall Male and Female Finisher
$75 Gift Card for 2nd Place Overall Male and Female Finisher
$25 Gift Card for 3rd Place Overall Male and Female Finisher

Recognition to first place male and female finishers in each of the following age groups
Ages 1-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69; 70+  

Chip timing is required to be eligible for awards. No duplicate awards will be given.

Gabriella’s 5k Cupcake Run is officially a USATF sanctioned event. A USATF sanction is an official designation issued by USATF, through a local Association, which approves and licenses the holding of a competitive track & field, long distance running or race walking event in the United States. USATF Sanctioning provides a best-in-class designation to our race. ONLY USATF Sanctioned and Certified races are eligible for national and age-group records.

*The event will go on rain or shine unless the weather poses unsafe conditions. No refunds will be given in the event of cancellation due to unsafe weather conditions or reasons beyond our control. 

A Cupcake Run isn't a cupcake run without cupcakes!

We are looking for cupcake donations from local bakers. Home-based business welcomed.

We are asking for each baker to donate a minimum of 6-8 dozen cupcakes. Cupcakes should be delivered to the race location, the morning of the 5K. You can also deliver the cupcakes to our office on Friday, May 17 no later than 4 PM located at 477 Spencer Lane San Antonio, Texas 78201

Bakers are required to include signs that have the list of cupcake ingredients so that we can post them for all to see. On the back of the sign you must include the address where they were made. (This is required in order to comply with the City of Schertz). Please make signs to be 8 1/2 x 11 size. We will provide the stands for them. 

Sign up here on our "Become A Sponsor" page and select Official Cupcake Donor option. 

The health and safety of all our 5K Cupcake Run participants and our community is paramount. These guidelines may change as the race gets closer and we will make sure that we keep them updated. 

We are following guidelines and best practices provided by the CDC, State of Texas, County, and the City of Schertz officials for outdoor run/walk events and will fully communicate any new protocols or restrictions with participants as they arise. We thank you in advance for your cooperation and support. Please visit the CDC website for updated guidelines and information that can help you make the best choice on whether you should or shouldn’t participate in our 5K Cupcake Run. 

• Participants will be asked to self-screen for health and close contact prior to the event day.
• A virtual option is available for participants who may be unable to attend in person. 
• Other changes may be made with or without notice if required by new state or local guidelines or if deemed to be a positive change to promote the health and safety of our participants. Any additional changes will be communicated via e-mail and on social media platforms to participants when they occur.

EVENT FAQS

What is the deadline for registration?
Regular online registration closes on May 1 for virtual options and May 15 for in person participants. Registration after May 15 is also available for $40 through race day. Race day registration will be available through 7:45 AM on race day morning. 

Where is the race taking place?

Race takes place at the Bluebonnet Palace 17630 Lookout Rd Selma, Texas 78154. Race starts at 8:30 AM.

If the race gets cancelled due to Covid-19 or inclement weather, will I get a refund?

If you register for the in person option and the race gets cancelled, your registration will automatically transfer to our virtual option. We will do our best to mail virtual runner packets before the race to all who register by May 1. We will not be able to offer refunds per standard race policy and the race waiver, but your registration fee and all proceeds from the race will go to a great cause and help fund pediatric brain cancer and help families affected by it.

I can't find my confirmation email, how can I get another one? 

RunSignup allows you to access your registration through your Profile. From there you can resend your confirmation email if you have misplaced it, or if you have not received it. Note: If you did not receive your confirmation make sure to check the spam folder. You can resend a confirmation email by navigating to Profile > Upcoming Events > Resend Confirmation.

 

What is included with my registration?
Each 5K registered participant gets a Cupcake Run race t-shirt, finisher custom Cupcake Run medal, bib, and timing device (on bib) and cupcake after the race. We will do our best to mail virtual runner packets before the race to all who register by May 1. The rest will be mailed out AFTER race day. Race day runners MUST participate in the race in order to receive their finisher medal. 

 

Is there a Virtual Run option if I can't attend or prefer to sleep in that day?

Yes!  You can choose to walk, jog, run or your favorite workout activity the day of or any day you’d like. Register at cupcakerunsa.org. There is an option for those who can't participate in person. A Virtual Run w/ T-shirt & Medal ($40) will be mailed out before the race to all who register by May 1 if possible. The rest will be mailed out AFTER race day.

Do children need to register for the race?
Our Cupcake Run will be a family friendly event and all children are welcome to join us.  Children who are ages 5 and older may register as an official participant. All registered participants get a Cupcake Run race t-shirt, finisher 5K medal, bib, and timing device (on bib).  

 

Are strollers allowed?
Runners are welcome to bring their strollers to the 5K Cupcake Run.  To ensure the safety of all participants, strollers must line up at the back and not alongside the runners.  

 

Can I pick up my race packet before race day morning?
Absolutely! Please pick up your race packet during one of the packet pickup on THURSDAY, May 16 from 11 AM- 7 PM at iRun Texas Bitters Store 2602 NW Loop 1604 Bldg 1 Suite 106 San Antonio, Texas or Friday, May 17 at the Children’s Cancer Support Center at 477 Spencer Lane San Antonio, Texas 78201 from 10 AM- 4 PM. You can also have someone pick up your packet by simply having your friend sign for your packet. We will do our best to mail virtual runner packets before the race to all who register by May 1. The rest will be mailed out AFTER race day. 

Can I register on race day?
Yes.  The race-day registration fee is $40. Race day registration must be done online using your own device. QR code will be available to make payment using PayPal. 

How do I create or join a Race Team?

During the registration process, you will be given the option to create or join a group. Once the "Group/Team" window pops up, click on the button for "New Group/Team", and then you will be given the fields needed to create and join your own group.
   
I can't attend the event, how can I make a donation? 

You can make a donation to even if you can't make it out to our event. Donations made to Gabriella's Smile Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, are tax deductible. You can make your donation either:

1. Online at www.cupcakerunsa.org

2. You can make the check out to Gabriella's Smile Foundation and mail to 477 Spencer Lane San Antonio, Texas 78201 

What happens if there is bad weather?

The event will go on rain or shine unless the weather poses unsafe conditions. No refunds will be given in the event of cancellation due to unsafe weather conditions.

Can I get a refund if I can't make it or if the race is cancelled or postponed?

There will be no refunds for the event should you be unable to attend or if the race is cancelled/ postponed due to weather or reasons beyond our control. However, your registration fees and 100% of your donations will go towards pediatric brain cancer research and will continue to fund our programs which support pediatric cancer families.

I still need help. Who can I contact? 
Please send an email to cupcakerunsa@strongerthandipg.org for more questions or call Isabel 210-670-6200 ext 100. We will do our best to respond within 48 hours. 

Gabriella's 5K Cupcake Run is an annual event hosted by Gabriella's Smile Foundation to raise funds for families affected by pediatric cancer through the Children's Cancer Support Center and to help fund pediatric cancer research.

Since our inaugural event in 2018 , our participation has more than doubled (from 250 to over 725 runners in 2025) and our event is heavily promoted not only in San Antonio, but also the surrounding communities of Selma, Schertz, Cibolo, Converse and even New Braunfels. Your sponsorship is a tax deductible donation and allows us to continue helping families, raising awareness and funding research for pediatric brain cancer. 

Become a Sponsor for the 2026 Cupcake Run!

Join us in making a difference for families affected by pediatric cancer by becoming a sponsor for the 2026 Cupcake Run! Your support helps provide financial assistance, emotional support, and resources to families navigating a childhood cancer diagnosis.

Why Sponsor?
✨ Gain brand visibility with a compassionate community
✨ Show your commitment to social responsibility
✨ Engage with families, runners, and supporters
✨ Directly impact the lives of pediatric cancer families

Sponsorship Benefits:

Community Impact: Align your brand with a cause that resonates with compassion and community support.
Brand Visibility: Gain exposure through our marketing channels, events, and media outreach.
Corporate Social Responsibility: Demonstrate your commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of those in need.
Opportunities for Sponsorship:

Your sponsorship at work

Here’s how donations and funds raised impact the families we help. Through the support center they have found a community of parents who are just like them and understand one another. Your sponsorship also helps support the work we do. 

$7,500 Gives us the opportunity to expand the services we provide at the center for pediatric cancer families. 

$3,500 Sponsors over 20 family grants for pediatric cancer families to help them with non medical expenses related to treatment. This may include hospital co-pays, lodging, gas, parking and meals on the go.

$1,000 Provides 100 kids with a birthday gift surprise. We always include siblings when we celebrate birthdays. Our average family has two or more children.  

$500 Helps 10 families with a $50 gift card to buy groceries for their family. 

$250 Provides 10 families with a $25 gas card to help them with travel to and from appointments and doctors visits.

We hope you will consider supporting our 5K Cupcake Run in 2026. You can view our sponsorship packet here or sign up online on our website. 

If you have additional questions, contact us at cupcakerunsa@GabriellasSmile.org or call Isabel 210-670-6200. 

We look forward to partnering with you to help impact our community and advance our cause and provide relief and support for local children battling cancer and their families. 

Click on our Cupcake Run Sponsorship Packet on the icon below 

 

Want to be the TOP TEAM this year? Here are some helpful tips. 

Our 5K Cupcake Run is the biggest fundraiser of the year and provides critical funds for our Children's Cancer Support Center and DIPG awareness and research. 

Create your team when you sign up or simply create your fundraising team here without signing up to run. You can use this helpful team sponsorship letter here to raise more support with your favorite businesses, family and friends. 

Remember to connect your fundraiser to Facebook! For your Facebook Fundraiser to count towards your fundraising goal, you must follow the instructions to create your Facebook Fundraiser.

1. Sign In to RunSignup.
2. Go to your Profile.
3. Scroll down to your Fundraising section of your profile.
4. Click on your fundraiser name to go to your fundraising page.
5. On your Fundraiser page, click Create Your Fundraiser on Facebook!
 

Thank you for going the extra mile and helping us fundraise!

Not sure how to raise money? Check out our fundraising toolkit to help you get started!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5K Cupcake Run: T-Shirt