Strut for Childhood Cancer Race

WHAT
No Child Should Fight Alone. 

This March, run to support childhood cancer families.  The Strut for Childhood Cancer Race takes place on March 7, 2026, at Long Leaf Park in Wilmington, NC.   But that is not all... after the race stay for the exciting FOAM PARTY by Flamingo Foam!  

DATE
Saturday, March 7, 2026

LOCATION
Long Leaf Park
Shelters 5 & 6
314 Pine Grove Drive
Wilmington, NC 28409

PARKING
Parking is available at open spots at Long Leaf Park.

EVENTS OFFERED
5K Run/Walk - This is timed.
1 Mile Run/Walk - This is untimed.

TO REGISTER
How to Register Before the Event:  Click on the Sign Up button in the top right
How to Register At the Event:  Online registration does not close until the race starts.  We strongly encourage you to register at home or on your phone before visiting the registration tents.  Participants who register at the event will be asked to scan a QR Code with their phone to register digitally.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Visit the Schedule of Events by clicking HERE

HOW YOUR REGISTRATION MAKES A DIFFERENCE
All proceeds from this race benefit Cape Fear Children supported by Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas (CCP), a nonprofit focused on serving children battling cancer across North Carolina and South Carolina. For 14 years, the race was known as The Cardinal Strut benefitting Strut for Kids, a nonprofit serving Wilmington area children and youth on their cancer journey. CCP and Strut for Kids merged in 2023 to provide more comprehensive support to over 100 Cape Fear children more efficiently and effectively.   

Children Cancer Partners of the Carolinas will, in the coming year, support more than 2,400 children battling cancer with help that is immediate, comprehensive, and continuous. CCP helps families overcome distance and cost disparities so their child’s care is timely and complete. There is NO cancer treatment in Cape Fear, so families must travel great distances for pediatric oncology care. CCP is committed to supporting these kids and their families from the time of diagnosis, during treatment, and beyond. Through your generous support of this race, families facing childhood cancer can focus on what’s most important: their child’s health.  

Learn more at childrenscancerpartners.org.

TO CREATE A FUNDRAISING TEAM WHEN REGISTERING FOR THE RACE
*Note:  There are two types of teams: Race Team and Fundraising Team
You have the option to create a Fundraising Team while you register for the 5K or 1 Mile.

After entering your registration information, you'll be taken to the Donation Goal page. Scroll down to find 'Become a Fundraiser' and click yes! This is also where you can create a team and have your friends and loved ones sign up as your team as well. You're under NO obligation to fulfill your fundraising goal, but we hope you'll give it a shot. After all, every dollar raised benefits Cape Fear children battling cancer!

FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2026
Pre-Race Packet Pickup

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Fleet Feet at the Crossroads
3852 Carolina Beach Rd Suite 120
Wilmington, NC 28412

*Can't make it to packet pickup?  Family or a friend can pick up for you! Don't get stuck waiting in lines before the race - come see us Friday and have a smooth, stress-free Race Morning!

SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2026
Race Day!

Long Leaf Park - Shelter 5 (near the splash pad and sand volleyball court)
314 Pine Grove Drive
Wilmington, NC 28409

8:00 AM: Registration Opens
9:00 AM: 1 Mile Fun Run Starts
9:30 AM: 5K and Foam Party Start 
10:30 AM:  Awards (time is approximate)
10:30 AM: Foam Party Ends