Paige's Butterfly Run

Held in conjunction with the Taste of Syracuse, Paige's Butterfly Run brings runners and walkers from across Central New York to downtown Syracuse each year to participate in one of the region’s premier 5K races. Our goal is to put on a stellar community event while raising the critical dollars necessary to fund local childhood cancer research and patient programs at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital.

This year, Paige's Butterfly Run will be celebrating its 30th event on Saturday, June 6, 2026 in downtown Syracuse. This family friendly event includes:

• 5K USATF certified race
• 3K fitness run/walk
• 5K Centipede Team Division
• Caterpillar crawl for kids under 5 years old

Your participation in Paige's Butterfly Run helps to support children and families fighting childhood cancer in Central New York. Proceeds from the event benefit the Dr. William J. Waters Center for Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital, Syracuse, New York.

5K Centipede Division

Crazy Competitive Camaraderie…Connected!

Shake up your usual running routine - Gather some running buddies and create a centipede! Go co-ed, or keep it to men or women only - up to you!

• Each centipede must consist of 5 tethered runners (segments)
• Centipede tethering may be made of any material (bungee is more comfortable than rope), but each segment must be connected to the rest with a minimum of 4’ between each segment.
• Total length of centipede must be a minimum of 24’ and will be measured prior to start of race.
• Dealy-bopper antennae on the head of the first segment and the wearing of a stinger on the final segment are encouraged.
• Themed costumes are encouraged, but remember this is a family event.
• Special prize for best team costume.
• Centipede division will start at back of pack.
• Time of team will be recorded as the time of the first runner/segment to cross finish line, with all segments remaining attached to the centipede. Individual members will receive their own time.
• Centipede teams will assemble for a rules check and costume judging at the back of the start area on Erie Blvd. West in front of National Grid at 8:15 the morning of the Run.

Winner of centipede race will have possession of a big, tacky trophy for one year.

Trophy to be returned with all due ceremony prior to the start of next year’s race.

 

 

Thank you for being a fundraiser and fighting childhood cancer and funding hope. 

Each year, Paige’s Childhood Cancer Fund raises critical dollars necessary to fund childhood cancer research and patient programs at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. Every dollar you raise will help move our mission forward and make a difficult journey a little easier and provide hope for tomorrow.

Are you new to fundraising? Need some new ideas to help you reach and surpass your goal? You've come to the right spot! 

Here are some easy steps to get your fundraising started and remember to aim high!

1.  Personalize your fundraising page: You can do this by signing into your account with RunSignUp at https://runsignup.com/Login and then go to your Profile by clicking on icon in the upper right hand corner. From your Profile, scroll down to your Fundraising section of your profile. Click "Edit Fundraiser" next to the fundraiser to Manage.

Here you can do things like:

• Add or update your photo
• Create a slideshow for your page - Click here to learn how!
• Tell your story of why you are participating
• Set your goal

If you make changes, don't forget to click on "Save Fundraiser Changes".

2.  Make a personal gift and kick start your fundraising and lead by example by making a personal gift. Others will also be more likely to give if they see that you have too!

3.  Ask, ask and continue to ask: Starting from the time you register for Paige's Butterfly Run until the fundraising deadline, ask your family, friends, co-workers and others in your network for support as you run or walk to fight childhood cancer in Central New York.

To find your custom fundraising URL and see what your sharing options are, you will need to be signed into RunSignUp. While signed in, scroll down to your Fundraising section of your profile. Here you will find your personalized fundraising URL.

If you are currently editing your fundraiser, or viewing donations, then you can simply click on the “Links/Sharing” button on the left frame main menu, and this will allow you to view the Fundraiser Sharing Options page.

From this page, you can:

• Share you custom URL on social media including Facebook and Twitter
• Copy and paste your custom URL for your fundraising outreach emails 

Consider asking family, friends, co-workers and others in your network to support you for a specific dollar amount such as $20, $50, $100. Every dollar counts and makes a difference!

4.  Social media: Post on social media to get the word out and encourage family and friends - in Central New York, across the country, and around the world to join Paige's Childhood Cancer Fund .

• Use the event hashtag #Paige'sChildhoodCancerFund in your posts
• Tag Paige's Childhood Cancer Fund  on Facebook (@Paige'sChildhoodCancerFund) and Instagram (@Paige'sChildhoodCancerFund) in your post
• Make your post public - Click here for more details!

Leading up to the run/walk, here are some post ideas:

• Share your personal story or reason why you are participating in Paige's Butterfly Run
• Share what Paige's Butterfly Run means to you
• Share photos or videos of your team t-shirts and signs
• Share photos or videos of yourself training for the run/walk
• Share photos or videos of your team members
• Encourage others to participate in Paige's Butterfly Run by sharing the event website

5.  Send a letter by mail: Not everyone is on social media or regularly checks email. Consider sending handwritten letters to ask family, friends, neighbors, co-workers and others in your network to donate in support of your efforts. If you receive donations of cash or check, please mail to:

Paige’s Childhood Cancer Fund
50 Presidential Plaza, Suite LL-3
Syracuse, NY 13202

Please enclose a note describing the individual or team that the donations should be credited to.

6.  Start or join a team: Teams are a fun way to bring people together. Recruit your friends, family, and co-workers to join you in your efforts of helping kids fighting childhood cancer in Central New York. Team members also provide great support to help each other achieve individual goals, and through their collective fundraising, teams make a bigger impact!

7.  Company matching gift program: Many employers have a matching gift program and will match charitable donations made by their employees. Each company has its own approach to charitable giving, so please be sure to confirm matching gift program guidelines directly with your employer. If your company does not have a formal matching gift program, ask your company to match each dollar that you and your team members collectively fundraise. This is a great way to double your impact! 

8.  Continue updating and thanking: Thank you notes are SO important! Make sure to thank people who are making donations in a timely manner (for example: don't wait until the event is over). Remember to also share updates on your progress with your supporters.

Take your fundraising to the next level

You've jumpstarted your fundraising by following the steps above - Now it's time to get creative! Here are ideas to help you grow your impact and provide hope for tomorrow.

-  Birthday: In lieu of a gift for your birthday, ask your friends and family to make a donation to support your efforts to fight pediatric cancer and fund hope. 

-  Host something: Get creative with ways to raise awareness and inspire others to donate to a cause you care about by hosting something! Host lemonade stand. Host a bake sale. Host online karaoke. Host online bingo. Host a trivia night. 

-  Benefit night at a local restaurant: Check in with your favorite local restaurants. Many places already have programs in place to help you fundraise at their establishment. The restaurant may not be open to inside dining, but remember this could work for online ordering and take out as well!

- Organize a dress down day/casual Fridays/spirit day at work: Select a certain day and allow employees to pay $5 on that day to dress casually/in favorite sports team apparel, etc. 

Didn't find the information you were looking for? Check out our frequently asked questions to see if we have an answer for you.

General & Registration

What is Paige's Butterfly Run? 
Held in conjunction with the Taste of Syracuse, Paige’s Butterfly Run brings runners and walkers from across Central New York to downtown Syracuse each June to participate in one of the region’s premier 5K races while raising the critical dollars necessary to fund local pediatric cancer research and patient programs at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital.

Paige’s Butterfly Run is comprised of three events, which means there is something for everyone!

• USAT&F certified 5K race in downtown Syracuse
• 3K fun fitness run/walk
• 40 ft. Caterpillar Crawl (free for children 5 and under)

When is Paige's Butterfly Run?
Paige's Butterfly Run is on Saturday, June 6, 2026 in downtown Syracuse. 

How can I participate in Paige's Butterfly Run?
There are two great ways you can participate in Paige's Butterfly Run:

• In person 
• Virtually – Be a part of the event by completing your run or walk anywhere at any time during the official virtual period starting Saturday, June 6 through Saturday, June 13.

Where does the money go from Paige’s Butterfly Run?
The money raised from Paige's Butterfly Run supports pediatric cancer research and patient programs for kids and families fighting childhood cancer at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. Click here for more information

 

How much is it to register for Paige's Butterfly Run?

Now -  May 8, 2026

5K - $45

3K - $45

Centipede Team for 5K- $45 ($225 per team)

Caterpillar Crawl - Free

Virtual 5K - $45

May 9 - June 5, 2026

5K -  $50

3K - $50

Centipede Team for 5K- $50 ($250 per team)

Caterpillar Crawl - Free

Virtual 5K - $50

June 6, 2026 - Race Day

5K - $55

3K - $55

Centipede Team for 5K- $50 ($275 per team)

Caterpillar Crawl - Free

Virtual 5K - $55

*price includes processing fee

 

What is the deadline to register for Paige’s Butterfly Run?
Online registration will close on Saturday, June 6 at race start. We strongly encourage participants to register before race weekend!

Cash will not be accepted for participants registering online the day of the event. 

Can I join or form a team?
Yes! You may create or join a team during the online registration process.

1. During the registration process, you will automatically be set up to be a fundraiser (there is no requirement to fundraise, but please try it). You will be able to create a fundraising goal, make your customized URL, upload an image, and update your personal heading and message that will display on your fundraising page.
2. At the bottom of the donation page, you will see the option to start/join a team fundraiser. Use the drop down menu under ‘Join a Team Fundraiser’ to start a team fundraiser or join an existing team fundraiser.
3. If you have already registered for Virtual Paige's Butterfly Run, but want to start or join a team, click on "Become a Fundraiser" link on the left frame main menu to create an individual fundraiser. Make sure you are signed into your RunSignUp account.  

Can I transfer my in person registration to the virtual event?
Yes. The deadline to transfer your in person race registration to the virtual event is Friday, May 29. 

Packet Pick Up

When and where is packet pick up?
Pre-race packet pick up for the in person event is Thursday, June 4, from noon-6:30PM at Fleet Feet Syracuse - 5800 Bridge St, East Syracuse, NY 13057. Race day packet pick up is also available starting at 7AM at the Hanley Federal Building - 100 S Clinton St, Syracuse, NY 13261.

I can’t make it to packet pick up. Can someone else get my packet for me?
Yes. You can have someone pick it up for you.

Logistics

Key Race Information:
Location: Hanley Federal Building with the race starting in front of the National Grid Building on Erie Blvd W
Participants who register for the live event by May 1st will receive a free t-shirt.
Pre-race packet pick up: Thursday, June 4, from noon-6:30PM at Fleet Feet Syracuse - 5800 Bridge St, East Syracuse, NY 13057

Schedule of Events:
7:00AM: Registration and packet pick up at the Hanley Federal Building
8:15AM: Centipede team rules check at start/finish line in front of National Grid Building on Erie Blvd W
9:00AM: 5K race start in front of the National Grid Building on Erie Blvd W
9:45AM: Caterpillar Crawl (start at the Hanley Federal Building)
10:15AM: 3K Fun Run/Walk (start in front of the National Grid Building on Erie Blvd W)
11:00AM: Awards Ceremony for top fundraisers at the Hanley Federal Building

Will there be a virtual option this year?
Yes. If you are unable to make the in person event, you can register to participate virtually. Virtual participants can run or walk anywhere at any time during the official virtual period starting Saturday, June 6 through Saturday, June 13.

When does the race take place?
The event is held on the first Saturday in June in conjunction with the Taste of Syracuse in downtown Syracuse. 

• 5K race starts at 9AM in front of the National Grid Building on Erie Blvd W
• Caterpillar Crawl starts at 9:45AM at the Hanley Federal Building
• 3K Fun Run/Walk starts at 10:15AM in front of the National Grid Building on Erie Blvd W

How many miles is Paige's Butterfly Run?
The run is a 5k foot race or 3.1 miles in length. The 3K fun run/walk is 1.8 miles in length. 

What is the course route?

Donation & Fundraising

Are there fundraising awards?
As we have in the past, we will be awarding prizes for those individuals who raise funds to support Paige’s Childhood Cancer Fund and kids fighting pediatric cancer in Central New York. These will be mailed 8 weeks after the event to the address provided during online registration after the fundraising deadline (June 30). 

What is the deadline for fundraising?
The fundraising deadline is June 30.

Help! I am new to fundraising and don't know where to start.
Don't worry, we've got you covered. Check out our Fundraising Tips and Tricks webpage for some easy steps to get your fundraising efforts started. It's also a great resource for new ideas to help you reach and surpass your goal.

How do I make a donation?
Thank you for your support! Donations can be made online using your credit/debit card. If you wish to make your donation by check, please make checks payable to: Paige’s Childhood Cancer Fund 

Mail to:
Paige’s Childhood Cancer Fund
50 Presidential Plaza, Suite LL-3
Syracuse, NY 13202

What is Paige’s Childhood Cancer Fund's tax ID number?
The tax ID number for Paige's Butterfly Run, Inc. dba Paige’s Childhood Cancer Fund is 52-2154937.

Does Paige’s Childhood Cancer Fund hold other events?
Yes! In addition to Paige's Butterfly Run, we organize the following fundraising events:

• Pedaling 4 Paige | Saturday, March 21, 2026 - An indoor spinning event, participants can register to ride as individuals or form a team to ride for one or more hours.
• Paige's Pajamarama - Schools and businesses in our local communities select a day to wear their pajamas in honor of kids who HAVE to! Paige's Pajamarama is a fun way to raise awareness for childhood cancer.
• Paige's Book Fair - Barnes & Noble in Clay will donate a percentage of each sale that *USES OUR BOOK FAIR COUPON*. We will have a table and craft station for the children to enjoy.  
• NY Childhood Cancer Summit - Building Community. Sharing Resources. Elevating Our Collective Voice.
• Toast for Gold - Celebrating Childhood Cancer Awareness. Kickoff to the NY Childhood Cancer Summit.
  Cocktail attire with a Splash of Gold. Video presentation – featuring our mission, local families and summit. Heavy hors d'oeuvres & Drinks (we provide one) – We raise our glasses at 7:30 PM!

Lot #1: the "National Grid lot" run by the Downtown Committee of Syracuse. It will open at 7AM, and will charge a special $8 per car for those entering before 10:30 AM, after which time the lot will charge event rates ($12).

Lot #4 : the "100 Clinton Square" lot run by JWP Commercial. It will open at 7AM, and offer free parking for PBR participants until noon.

Lot #6: "Washington St. Garage" (340 W Washington St. Syracuse, NY) run by LAZ Parking. It will open at 6:30AM, and offer free parking until noon for PBR participants. *Parking outside of these hours will result in a $10 parking fee for the day.* For questions, please contact Syracuse@LAZParking.com

Downtown Parking Map: Downtown Parking

If you have been to Paige's Butterfly Run before, you've probably seen patient stories up on the walls of the James M. Hanley Federal Building. We call these "Their Stories". These are stories of children who have bravely fought pediatric cancer in our community.

This year we have been fortunate enough to have patients and families who will be telling their stories on camera. We will be sharing "Their Stories" weekly leading up to Virtual Paige's Butterfly Run.

Please take a moment to watch their stories below. 

Archie - Click here to watch now
Archie was 7 months old when he was diagnosed with Wilms' tumor, a type of kidney cancer. Today he is cancer free. Thank you to his mom, Emily, for sharing their story. 

Tim - Click here to watch now
In 2010, Tim was diagnosed with cancer when he was 15. He is an inspiration, providing hope and encouraging positive action. We are so grateful for Tim for sharing his story.

Levi - Click here to watch now
On November 13, 2017 Levi was diagnosed with T-Cell leukemia. Thank you to his mom, Laurin, for sharing their story.

Jacob - Click here to watch now
We are so grateful for people like Nick. He is one of our top fundraisers and we cannot thank him enough for sharing his story behind what motivates him to raise support for PBR.

Alayah - Click here to watch now
“Paige’s Butterfly Run is an organization that we became aware of from the very first day that Alayah got diagnosed with leukemia.” says Katie, Alayah’s mom. We are so incredibly grateful for Katie for sharing their story and the impact PBR has on the pediatric cancer community here locally.

Rosalie - Click here to watch now
“She is in maintenance chemo now, so we just her chemo meds at home every day and then she has infusions every week,” says Arianna, Rosie’s mom. A huge thank you to Arianna, Rosie’s mom, for sharing their story.

Didn't find the information you were looking for? Check out our frequently asked questions to see if we have an answer for you. 

General & Registration

What is Paige's Butterfly Run? 
Held in conjunction with the Taste of Syracuse, Paige’s Butterfly Run brings runners and walkers from across Central New York to downtown Syracuse each June to participate in one of the region’s premier 5K races while raising the critical dollars necessary to fund local pediatric cancer research and patient programs at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital.

What is a virtual run?
Virtual races happen all the time, and allow you to join the fun without the crowds. You simply run or walk the distance on your own, and report your results - we’ll send you instructions.

This means you can jog, walk, skip, or dance. You can do this on the sidewalk, on a track, on a treadmill or on a trail, just remember to use recommended safety precautions. You get to run your own race, at your own pace, and time it yourself.

Why is there a virtual option?
We recognize that there are some people who may not be able to make it to the in person event due to scheduling conflicts. The virtual event option gives those unable to attend the in person event the opportunity to be a part of the fun.

Where does the money go from Paige’s Butterfly Run?
The money raised from Paige’s Butterfly Run stays in Central New York to support pediatric cancer research and patient programs for kids and families fighting pediatric cancer at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. Click here for more information.

What is the deadline to register to participate in the virtual run?
Online registration will close on Saturday, June 13 at 11:59 PM.

Can I join or form a team?
Yes! You may create or join a team during the online registration process.

1. During the registration process, you will automatically be set up to be a fundraiser (there is no requirement to fundraise, but please try it). You will be able to create a fundraising goal, make your customized URL, upload an image, and update your personal heading and message that will display on your fundraising page.
2. At the bottom of the donation page, you will see the option to start/join a team fundraiser. Use the drop down menu under ‘Join a Team Fundraiser’ to start a team fundraiser or join an existing team fundraiser.
3. If you have already registered for Virtual Paige's Butterfly Run, but want to start or join a team, click on "Become a Fundraiser" link on the left frame main menu to create an individual fundraiser. Make sure you are signed into your RunSignUp account. 

Can I transfer my virtual registration to the in person event?
Yes. The deadline to transfer your virtual registration to the in person event is Friday, May 29. 

Logistics

What is the race route?
As a virtual participant, you get to choose the location and time of day that works best for you! Adherence to all social distancing guidelines is strongly encouraged for the safety of you and anyone running or walking in the same area.

When does the virtual run take place?
Virtual participants have the option of completing your virtual run or walk anywhere at any time during the official virtual period starting Saturday, June 6 through Saturday, June 13.

How many miles is the virtual run?
The virtual run is an 5k footrace or 3.1 miles in length.

Do I have to be a runner to participate?
No! Whether you’re a competitive runner, casual jogger, or walker, Paige's Butterfly Run is for you. All ages and abilities are welcome! 

I am not from Central New York; Can I still participate?
Yes! Because it's a virtual event, there are zero geographical barriers to participation. We encourage everyone from around the world to join us as and help raise critical funds for pediatric cancer patients and their families in Central New York. 

How do I download my virtual bib?
Once we assign your bib numbers, you can download your virtual bib by searching for your name in the “Find A Participant” link and then clicking on the bib number to the left of your name. This will bring up your virtual bib. You can print your bib and share it on social media. 

How does timing work?
The virtual run is self-timed. We will communicate with you instructions on how to submit your results. To have your time included in the race results, you must submit your results by Saturday, June 13, at 11:59PM. 

You can do this directly from the RunSignup Race Page or from your RunSignup profile.

• Submit your results from Paige's Butterfly Run RunSignup Race Page by using the "Results" link on the left frame main menu > then selecting Submit Virtual Results.
• Submit your virtual results from your RunSignup Profile by navigating to your RunSignup profile by selecting the Profile Icon at the top right hand corner.

Do I have to submit my results?
Nope, you do not have to submit your results if you do not want to. However, we do encourage you to share with us your pictures or videos once you have completed your run or walk on social media by tagging Paige's Butterfly Run on a public post and using the hashtag #PaigesButterflyRun. 

Are virtual participants eligible for the top finisher awards?
Virtual participants times will not be factored into the in person event’s overall or age group awards that are presented after the race.

Donation & Fundraising

Are there fundraising awards?
As we have in the past, we will be awarding prizes for those individuals who raise funds to support Paige’s Butterfly Run and kids fighting pediatric cancer in Central New York. These will be mailed 8 weeks after the event to the address provided during online registration after the fundraising minimum deadline (June 30). 

What is the deadline for fundraising?
The fundraising deadline is June 30.

Help! I am new to fundraising and don't know where to start.
Don't worry, we've got you covered. Check out our Fundraising Tips and Tricks webpage for some easy steps to get your fundraising efforts started. It's also a great resource for new ideas to help you reach and surpass your goal.

How do I make a donation?
Thank you for your support! Donations can be made online using your credit/debit card. If you wish to make your donation by check, please make checks payable to: Paige’s Childhood Cancer Fund. 

Mail to:
Paige’s Childhood Cancer Fund
50 Presidential Plaza, Suite LL-3
Syracuse, NY 13202

What is Paige’s Childhood Cancer Fund's tax ID number?
The tax ID number for Paige's Butterfly Run, Inc. dba Paige’s Childhood Cancer Fund is 52-2154937.

For 30 years, Paige’s Childhood Cancer Fund has been a critical part of Central New York’s efforts to fight cancer and other blood disorders in children.

The only one of its kind in a 17-county region, the Dr. William J. Waters Center for Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital serves upwards of 700 children with various malignancies and blood disorders each year, as well as conduct research for tomorrow’s cures. Paige’s Butterfly Run, Inc. is a key part of these services, as the funds we raise support initiatives that provide financial and emotional support to families whose child is undergoing treatment. 

Proceeds from Paige's Butterfly Run support local childhood cancer research and patient programs for kids and families fighting cancer at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital in Syracuse, NY. After event expenses our organization invests in the following initiatives that support the Central New York community. 

• Paige's Comfort Kit Fund
• Paige's Family Assistance Fund
• Paige's Comfort & Fun Fund for Families
• Paige's Outpatient Clinic Fund
• Paige's Events and Activities Fund
• Paige's H.O.P.E. Support Fund
• Paige's Fund for Transportation
• Paige's Pediatric Hematology Fund
• Paige's Survivor Wellness Fund
• Paige's Bereavement Fund
• Paige's Cancer Research Fund
• Paige Yeomans Arnold Memorial Endowed Professorship
• Paige Yeomans Arnold Endowed Patient Family Assistance Fund

For more information, please visit https://paigesccf.org/ways-to-give/

In 1993, Paige Yeomans Arnold was a seemingly healthy 6 year old first grader at Palmer Elementary School in Baldwinsville NY, when she was diagnosed with leukemia. Paige was then treated at what is now the Dr. William J. Waters Center for Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital in Syracuse NY. Paige ultimately underwent a bone marrow transplant in an effort to cure her leukemia at Boston Children’s Hospital in 1994. Sadly, complications from the transplant led to her death in August of that year.

In the Spring of 1997, Paige’s parents were approached by a group of teachers at Palmer Elementary that wished to honor Paige in what would have been her last year at the school. In short order, it was decided that a walk\run event would be organized. All proceeds were slated to benefit a college scholarship fund and the Center for Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders in Paige’s memory. The butterfly was selected as a symbol of the event not only because she was so fond of them, but because they typified her: beautiful and gentle, but strong beyond imagining.

After hosting the event from 1997-2007 at Palmer Elementary, Paige’s Butterfly Run came to downtown Syracuse in 2008 with the Taste of Syracuse Festival.

Since its inception in 1997, Paige’s Butterfly Run has raised over $5,000,000 to support cancer research and patient programs at the William J. Waters Center for Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders at Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. 

Thank you to our generous sponsors! Click here to view our Paige's Butterfly Run sponsors.

We strive to make our annual Paige's Butterfly Run event more successful each year so we can help more children. Sponsorship opportunities for Paige's Butterfly Run are available and can be customized to your goals and budget. 

3K Fun Fitness Run/Walk: T-Shirt

5K: T-Shirt

Centipede Team for 5K: T-Shirt

Push ChairTeams: T-Shirt