Liam Strong Charity Beach Run

WHAT

The Liam Strong Charity Beach Run was created to honor our son, Liam Fredric Batten, who we lost at 6 months of age to childhood cancer. In the short time he was here, Liam inspired every person he touched in more ways than we can put into words. We want to honor Liam and give back to all of the doctors and nurses at North Carolina Children’s Hospital that are so special to our family.

WHEN

Sunday, September 20, 2026

WHERE

Johnnie Mercer's Pier
23 E Salisbury Street
Wrightsville Beach, NC  28480

PARKING

Parking is available through metered parking (can be paid with CC).

PACKET PICKUP
Saturday, September 19, 2026: Flying Machine Oyster Bar* (530 Causeway Drive Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480)

4-6PM

*If you cannot make it to Pre-Race Packet Pickup, we do offer last chance pick-up on Sunday morning. We encourage you to get your packet on Saturday to avoid lines on race morning. 

RACE DAY SCHEDULE
Sunday, September 20, 2026

Johnnie Mercer's Pier
23 E Salisbury Street
Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

 

8:00 AM - Last Chance Packet Pick Up 
(**If you picked-up your packet on Saturday, you do not need to check in race morning, just head to the start line)

CHECK IN WILL END AT 8:50am, after this time, you can register and complete the race but you will not be able to be timed.

8:40 AM - Warm-up provided by ISI Elite Training Wilmington

8:50 AM - LOVE for LIAM - speeches to honor Liam from Bryan and Charlotte Batten, and UNC Children's Hospital. Important announcements will also be made at this time. 

9:05 AM - 5K Starts
9:15 AM - 1 Mile Fun Run Starts

10-10:20 AM - Awards

All Race Registration is online.  Please register before arriving at the race.  

AWARDS

Kids 1 Mile Fun Run
Top male and female finisher under 18

Top 3 boys and girls - 8 and under; and 9-17

 

5K
Top Male and Female Overall Finisher

Top 3 Male and Female Finishers in Age Groups - 19 & under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13th

Packet Pick-up: Flying Machine Oyster Bar (Wrightsville Beach)

530 Causeway Drive Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480

*New location this year!

Stop by and have a drink while you pick-up your race packet! We encourage you to pick-up your packet on Saturday to avoid race lines on Sunday morning.

RACE DAY: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14th

8:00 am:  Last Chance Packet Pick-up - CHECK IN AND REGISTRATION WILL END AT 8:50am. Any registrations after this time, will not be able to be timed.

8:40 am: Warm-up provided by ISI Elite Training Wilmington

8:50 am: LOVE for LIAM - speeches to honor Liam from Bryan and Charlotte Batten, and Dr. Matt Pizzuto from UNC Children's Hospital. Important announcements will also be made at this time. 
9:05am:  5K Start 
9:15am: 1 mile start

10-10:20am: Awards

 

 

With such a great response to our Fun to 5K training program, we are bringing into 2026 and making it even better! 

This program is open anyone who has registered for this year's Liam Strong Race and anyone who registers during the training program! 

What is it?
An 8-week training program to get you ready for this year's 5k...or, even just our fun run! Receive weekly training plans and run miles in Liam's honor before official race day (beginner and intermediate options available). Real-time access to ask training questions and have the option for a one-on-one Zoom call with Coach Quinn.

Have you ever wanted to have training plans at your fingertips, learn tips and tricks to run more efficiently, or just share all the miles you currently run with others? By signing up, you will receive weekly training emails from our Social Media Director, Quinn Sosne, who has run 2 marathons and countless half-marathons, 10K's and 5K's!

 
What Do I Need to Do?
Participants would be asked to share weekly pictures of their training which could be a selfie, a picture of mileage covered, or a photo of where they are running! You can send photos to us directly via social media, email qsosne@gmail.com, or post with #liamsfunto5k and we will share on our social media pages. At the end of the program, we will use all of your photos to create a video montage to share with UNC Children's Hospital! 
 
On race day, anyone who completes the training program, will receive a free drink ticket at packet pick-up and your choice of a t-shirt or tank from our previous Liam Strong races. 

We will also have optional meet-ups to give everyone a chance to get to know each other, learn more, and have additional special days to run in Liam's honor.
 
How Do I Opt In?
Simply send an email to ashleylove0831@gmail.com and we will add you to the weekly emails!
 
This year's program will officially start on July 20th!
(and it's never too late to join!)

 

This program is in memory of Liam and meant to share hope and love through miles ran in his honor across the places you love and live! 
We would be honored to have you be a part of this journey and we can't wait to see you on race day!

Liam was born on September 21st, 2014 in Wilmington. He was born 6 weeks early and spent his first two weeks in the NICU. We had an amazing three months at home with him until late December when we realized that something was not right. After taking him to UNC Children’s we found out he had a brain tumor. At 3 months old he went through two 12-hour brain surgeries to find out he had a very rare form of brain cancer. We knew his prognosis was grim but we started chemotherapy in January 2015. After battling his cancer for 3 months he lost his battle on April 3rd, 2015.  In his short lifetime he showed unimaginable strength and taught us all so much. We miss him every day and he will always be a huge part of our family. We want to put this race on again to honor him and his legacy and also to give back to UNC Children’s where he was given the most amazing care for the last 3 months of his life.

 

 

 

Thank you to all donors and bidders who participated in this year’s silent auction. Your generosity helped us raise more than $20,000 in support of UNC Children’s Hospital.

To donate an item to next year’s silent auction please email ashleylove0831@gmail.com.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
____________________________________________________
TITLE SPONSOR - $5,000
Signage at Event
• Event banner at start/finish Line (provided by sponsor)
• Logo on participant shirt in prominent location
• Logo on participant race bib
•Marketing booth at race (provided by sponsor)

 

Marketing/Publicity
• Company’s logo, name and branding to be included on all promotional material, electronic media, and announcements
• Logo on all marketing pieces – print, email and web
• Logo on race website
• Brochure, business card, and/or sample in all participant bags

 

Race Day
• VIP parking at Race
• 10 entries into race
• PA announcement at event

____________________________________________________
GOLD SPONSOR - $2,500
Signage at Event
• Event banner at halfway point (provided by sponsor)
• Logo on participant shirt
• Logo on participant race bib
•Marketing booth on race day (provided by sponsor)

 

Marketing/Publicity
• Company’s logo, name and branding to be included on all promotional material,
electronic media, and announcements
• Logo on all marketing pieces – print, email, and web
• Logo on race website
• Brochure, business card, and/or sample in all participant bags

 

Race Day
• 6 entries to the race
• PA announcement at event
____________________________________________________
SILVER SPONSOR - $1,000
Signage at Event
• Logo on participant shirt

Marketing/Publicity
• Company’s logo, name and branding to be included on all promotional material, electronic media, and announcements
• Logo on all marketing pieces – print, email, and web
• Logo on race website
• Brochure, business card and/or sample in all participant bags

Race Day:
• 4 entries into race
• PA announcement at event

____________________________________________________
BRONZE SPONSOR - $500
Signage at Event
• Logo on Participant Shirt

Marketing/Publicity
• Logo on marketing pieces – print, email, and web
• Logo on race website

• Brochure, business card and/or sample in all participant bags

Race Day:
• 2 entries to the race
• PA announcement at race

____________________________________________________
CONTRIBUTING SPONSOR - $250
Marketing/Publicity
• Logo on race website

Race Day:
• 1 entry to the race
• PA announcement at race

You may already know that every registration, purchase, and silent auction win from the Liam Strong Charity Beach Race directly supports UNC Children's Hospital. But have you ever wondered exactly where and how your donations make a difference? Below are just a few heartfelt stories that highlight the incredible impact you have and express our deep gratitude for your support in honoring sweet Liam.

 

In just the first three months of 2025, we’ve already provided crucial assistance to 17 families in the PICU and Hematology Oncology units—covering essential expenses like car and insurance payments, rent, and utilities. 
 
Patient A had completed several weeks of daily radiation and was preparing for surgery. The family (patient, 2 siblings and parents) live approximately 2-hours from UNC Children's Hospital. Daily round trips force Mom to take time away from work, and her return will be delayed further due to Patient A's hospitalization. Missed pay and travel costs had a significant impact on the family's finances. The Batten Fund provided financial assistance through the payment of their electric bill, enabling Patient A to return to a home with heat, lights, refrigeration, and electricity for food preparation.
 
Patient B is a pediatric hematology/oncology patient whose mother reported having financial inequities. Mom had missed work due to Patient B's increased pain symptoms. As well, they had experienced a recent death in the family. Having received an eviction notice, Mom reached out to their hospital social worker to request assistance. The Batten Fund provided $500 towards the family's unpaid rent, maintaining a warm and secure home for Patient B.
 
Patient C is a pediatric hematology/oncology inpatient. Mom reported experiencing financial hardships during their eight day stay at UNC Children's. In total, Mom had missed three weeks of work related to Patient C's illness. The financial shortcomings had resulted in them falling behind on their household bills. Mom was extremely concerned about maintaining shelter, especially considering temperatures were dropping and the risks of infection /illnesses would be high if placed in a homeless shelter. The Batten fund was used to support the family's rent. 

People can give butterflies as a symbol of hope in honor of anyone. Liam's butterfly was presented by UNC Children's to honor his legacy, which continues to make a lasting impact on patients and their families. It serves as a reminder that he will always be a cherished part of the UNC Children’s family. These butterflies are displayed on the 7th floor of the hospital, on the lookout terrace, where patients can go to get fresh air during their treatment.

 

We can’t help but imagine him running around in heaven with his butterfly, smiling down on those who continue to love and honor him, making a difference for the children still with us.

Thank you to all donors and bidders who participated in this year’s silent auction. Your generosity helped us raise more than $20,000 in support of UNC Children’s Hospital.

To donate an item to next year’s silent auction please email ashleylove0831@gmail.com.

T-Shirt deadline for guaranteed size: TBA

All participants will receive a t-shirt, however, registrations after this year's t-shirt deadline may not receive their first size choice.

Rally your friends and family and join the Team Competition.  

(Registering and Joining a Team is Easy!  Simple click CREATE or JOIN a team during registration)

Liam Strong Beach Fun Run: T-Shirt

Liam Strong Beach 5K: T-Shirt