Middle Finger 5K

It’s a great day to tell cancer where it can go, all while supporting those with cancer in our very own community!
We hope you’ll join us on May 9, 2026, for the Middle Finger 5K.

There’s nothing better than a sunrise start and breakfast burrito to raise awareness and funds for Thrive To Survive. 

Registration for the 5K includes:
- MF5K (unisex sizing)

breakfast burrito post-race

Check-in Party on May 8th

4:00  - 8:00 pm in the Community Room at Finger Lakes Welcome Center, 35 Lakefront Dr. Geneva, NY 

Local breweries, wineries will be offering free tastings. There will also be items available for purchase from local vendors! 

The 9th Annual Middle Finger 5K run and fitness walk benefits Thrive To Survive. 

The event is open to all ability levels. All fitness levels are encouraged to participate. Give a one-finger salute to cancer and help those in our region thrive through their diagnosis. 100% of donations and proceeds go to Thrive To Survive and are used to provide necessary resources to adults living in Ontario, Seneca, Yates,  and Wayne counties and in treatment for a cancer diagnosis. Registration includes the commemorative 2026 MF5K shirt, a light breakfast, and most importantly, special satisfaction knowing you are making a difference for adults with cancer. 

You can participate as an individual or as part of a team*.  Want to have fun for less money! Start a friends and family team of 4 or more participants and receive a discounted entry. Show big LOVE with a big team to honor someone you care about. 

The race registration requires gender identification, please select an option that best aligns with your identity. 

I am excited to see you in 2026! 

1.  What is the Middle Finger 5K?

A fun, family-friendly run/walk event that brings awareness of Thrive To Survive, a local non-profit that supports adults with cancer in Ontario, Seneca, Yates, Wayne, and Schuyler counties.  Visit www.thrivetosurvive.org for more information or to get involved. 

• Can I bring my dog? 
  Pets are NOT allowed unless they are service animals. As much as we’d love to see your pup strut their stuff, with thousands of moving feet out there, it could turn into a giant game of ‘paw-man’ and no one wants that!

Absolutely! I ENCOURAGE you to get CREATIVE; many participants dress in fun costumes or matching team t-shirts. You can upload photos on this site and we welcome you to post them on our Facebook/Instagram page. Use #MF5K

3. You ask about survivorship. What do survivors receive?

All cancer survivors who select ‘yes’ to “I wish to be recognized as a survivor” during registration will receive some kind gesture, perhaps a specially designed bib or a small offering. Typically, local community businesses donate tokens of appreciation for our survivors. Additionally, survivors and their families and friends will be touched by the support other survivors in our community offer.

4. Do I need to be a speedy runner for this race?

My goodness, no!  Although there will be some speedy athletes, this event is open to all fitness levels and you can register as a runner or walker.  You have this day!! 

5.  What is included in my registration?

Each registered participant will receive this year's commemorative Middle Finger 5K t-shirt and the great feeling of giving back to a local organization. You are also invited to the Check-in party the night before to taste local beers and wines while collecting your MF5K swag. A grab-and-go breakfast will be provided after the MF5K as a special way to finish the race.

Participants aged 21 years and over are invited for a free draft beer at 8:00 am at Kelly's Irish Pub for our "after" party! Tuck some cash in your socks and download the Uber app to enjoy additional libations! You know what they say, you can't drink all day if you don't start in the morning! 

All participants (who accurately input your email address) will receive information and updates regarding the MF5K, Thrive To Survive, and any other pertinent information.

• Can I bring my dog? He's really friendly!
  Pets are NOT allowed unless they are service animals. Yes, he’s good with people… but people in race mode are a different story! 🏃‍♀️ Thousands of moving feet = too risky for our two and four-legged friends.

6.  Team Membership Discount:

Team members will receive a team member discount once the 5th team member registers for your team. The team discount is received at checkout once the 5th Team Member is registered. Team Members 1 - 4 will receive a $5 credit to the credit card used at the time of payment. Teams of 15 or more participants registered by April 1 will have their team name printed on the back of the shirts.

7.  Can I change from an individual to a team?

If you want to be added to a team, log back into RunSignUp using your User ID and password. From there, you can change from Individual to Team. Team changes must be made before April 1 to be factored into the shirt printing. You will still be allowed to join a team after that, but we may not be able to add your team to the shirts. If you have additional questions or need assistance, please email jen@thrivetosurvive.com and include your name and the name of the team you would like to join. I am happy to help!

8. Is the Middle Finger 5K a charity run? Where does the money go?

Yes!!  The MF5K is the biggest fundraiser Thrive To Survive has.  Your participation directly helps adults in our area and their families THRIVE through a difficult cancer diagnosis.   100% of donations and proceeds go directly to individuals in treatment for cancer and programming to support them in their journey. 

9. Does the run really start at 6:00 am?  It can't, can it?

Yes, the event really starts at 6:00 am!  Metaphorically, we realize cancer has no clock, so while we GET to run at 6:00 am, many people will be heading for treatment or taking care of other needs within their diagnosis.  The other reason is that the sun is expected to rise at precisely 5:52 am...just in time for us to SEIZE THE DAY! 

10.  How will I get my coveted Middle Finger shirt?  

The Check-In Party will be held on Friday, May 8th, from 4 pm -8 pm at the Finger Lakes Welcome Center, 35 Lake Front Drive, Geneva, NY 14456. For 2026, we will offer tastings* from local wineries and breweries. There will be some vendors, music, and an all-around great time!   We highly recommend the Check-in Party! *must be 21 with proof of age for tastings. 

We strongly encourage picking up your swag at the Check-In Party. 

However, if you can't make it the night before, you can pick up your shirt the morning of the event from 5:00 am - 5:45 am in the Community Room of the Welcome Center. Plan to pick up before 5:45 to allow for a 6:00 am start.

• Can I bring my dog? She is so cute and is amazing around people!
  Pets are NOT allowed unless they are service animals. We believe she’s cute, friendly, and a leash pro! But with thousands of sneakers, it’s just not safe for pups or peeps. We’d rather your dog stay wagging at home than weaving through ankles!

11. Are the Middle Finger events timed?

Yes. You must wear your bib on your torso for the timing chip to work properly. 

12. Are there refunds?

We cannot issue refunds. The logistics of setting up and planning the event make it impossible.  If you cannot attend or participate, know that your contribution will have an immediate positive impact on Thrive To Survive and the people we serve. We still encourage you to stop by the Check-In Party the night before to grab your swag!

13. Can I transfer my registration to another person?

I understand life happens, and plans change.  You can transfer your registration to another person as long as it is done before April 1. The shirt size will not be able to be changed.

14. What if it rains (or snows, I mean we are in Upstate, NY)?

While beautiful weather is ideal, a little precipitation won't stop the MF5K.  I know the weather doesn't stop cancer or treatments, so it can't stop us, either!! Dress for the conditions, and know that participating in a little rain (or snow) just makes you a little more badass.

15. Can I register on the day of the race?

In years past, we have sold out of registrations as early as three weeks before the event. I may have day-of registrations, but I can't guarantee shirts or breakfasts to day-of registrations.  It is strongly suggested you register early to secure your spot and swag.

• Can I bring my dog? 
  Pets are NOT allowed unless they are service animals. We know he’s chill and the cutest, but imagine thousands of legs, dangling shoelaces, and cowbells ringing. It’s just not a safe environment for animals, no matter how good they are. 

16. Where can I park on the day of the race?
On the "Race Info" tab, scroll to the bottom to see the downtown Geneva parking lots map. There is plenty of parking within a short walking distance to the race start and finish areas.  I strongly suggest using the tunnel to walk to the start area. It is indicated on the map and 0.5 miles to the start/finish area.

17. Can I bring my dog or cat or pet lizard?

Animals are NOT allowed. For the safety of our participants and the animals, I can not allow them unless they are service animals. Animals can often be anxious around large groups of people, and people can often be anxious around animals. I do not want to stress out the animals or the people! Thank you for respecting this. 

18. Can someone else pick up my MF5K packet?

Absolutely, but why would you want to miss the Check-In Party? If you insist, I ask that your friend signs for you so there are no questions later.

19. What if I have to go to the bathroom?

There will be four portable bathrooms near the start/ finish line. The State Park also has a portable bathroom near the Water Station right before mile 2. We will also have access to the bathrooms at the Community Center of the Geneva Welcome Center on the morning of the race.

20. What if I have a question that isn't addressed here?  

For any additional questions or information, please email me, Jen. jen@thrivetosurvive.org    If I don't have the answer, I will confidently make something up. 

If you are in the area and looking for a great loop to run/walk, feel free to use our course.

Here you will find an overhead map of this beautiful course. 

As a mom of a brain cancer survivor, I knew that I would want to give back to the community that rallied for our family when we were facing our most difficult days. Thrive To Survive was born from a need we recognized for support and service in our Finger Lakes area. The first 5k in 2017 was organized on a whim. With each sunrise, we have hope of another day, so I decided to organize a sunrise run. We capped the event at 500 and sold out a month before it was planned. 

Each year we have grown, and the best part is that 100% of the money donated and the proceeds go directly to our mission of providing programming and funding to families in our local communities who are facing a cancer diagnosis. Survivors are eligible for all of the programs offered by Thrive To Survive free of charge. They include emotional support, wellness programs, year-round pick-me-up notes and package, comfort care packages at local oncology offices, financial assistance, meals, friendship, and more. 

The Middle Finger 5K is Thrive To Survive's biggest fundraiser. Your participation does make an immediate and positive difference. 

What is your WHY?

Lots of great parking options in downtown Geneva, all within walking distance of start/finish area. There is also additional parking on the streets of Downtown Geneva. Please use the Lake Tunnel (see map) to safely cross under Routes 5 & 20. 

There are plenty of great spots to stay in Geneva. Make it a weekend and take time to tour the many breweries and wineries in our region!

The Hampton Inn & Lakefront 41 are closest to the start/finish line.

The Fairfield Inn is relatively new, about 2 miles from the Lakefront.

Microtel & Holiday Inn Express are about 3 miles to the start/finish line.

Some folks have had great luck with Airbnb rentals!

Fundraising is not necessary, but is automatically set up if you want to help Thrive To Survive even further! Each dollar directly supports adults in the Finger Lakes who are in treatment for cancer, and their caregivers by the many programs and services that Thrive To Survive offers. We'd love to encourage everyone to raise $100! Can you help?

You can set a fundraising goal as an individual or team!! 

Send the link to family and friends to increase awareness of our organization, the Middle Finger 5K event, and to help us sustain the programs and services we provide to adults with cancer in our Finger Lakes Communities!

Every bit helps!

Have MORE fun for less $$!  Start a Team of 5 or more runners and receive a discounted entry.   Create team shirts or costumes and make your presence known!  

How it works: Once the 6th person registers, they will be able to register for $5 less. The original five participants will be refunded $5, and each subsequent participant will also receive a $5 discount on registration. 

Want to save more? Recruit 5 people using your own referral link, and you will receive a $20 refund to the credit card you used for payment. Recruit 10, and you will receive an even greater refund!