Tommy’s Trek: Boldly Running for a Cure

This is a 5K out and back course on West Main St. starting and finishing in Ballou Park. 

Fee: 5K $30 pre-registration $35 day of race

Location: Ballou Park

Times:

• 5k Run/Walk @ 7:00 PM
• Kids fun 1 mile Run (ages 0-9) @ 6:00 PM (Finisher Ribbons for all) 

After Run Activities:

• Awards
• Friday night DJ/Food trucks

**To guarantee you get a T-Shirt Register by April 15th** 

Can I register at the event?

Yes, but we strongly encourage you to register online to avoid long lines on event day!

Can I bring a dog to the event?

Pets are not allowed for safety reasons, but registered service animals are welcome. 

What happens if the weather forecast calls for rain on the day of the race?

This is a rain-or-shine event. If severe weather is expected, please check the event website or Facebook page for last-minute updates. 

Can someone run the 5k with a dog, wheelchair, or stroller?

For safety, no dogs or pets are allowed excepted registered service animals. Runners with strollers or wheelchairs are welcome but will start behind the competitive and recreational runners. 

Where can I pick up my packet?

Early packet pick-up is available Thursday, May 14th at URW Credit Union, 314 Lowes Dr., Danville, 12:00 pm -5:00 pm. Race Day registration and packet pick-up 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm at Ballou Park.

Are you a currently fighting GBM, a brain cancer survivor, or lost a loved one to GBM/brain cancer?

Let us know! We would love to honor you at the run. 

Do runners receive rewards?

Yes! Awards are given to the first, second, and third place males and females overall in the Run and Walk. First 3 M/F 0-12, 13-19, then every 10 years thru 70 and over in age groups. First M/F in the Fun Run will receive awards and all finishers in Fun Run will receive finisher ribbons. All Fun Runners must be 12 and under.

What is Glioblastoma (GBM)?

Glioblastoma (GBM) is an aggressive and devastating form of brain cancer. It affects thousands of families every year, with a median survival time of just 12–15 months after diagnosis, despite surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. GBM can strike anyone, regardless of age or health, and currently, there is no known cure.

Tragically, only about 1% of all cancer research funding is allocated to brain cancers, including GBM, making it one of the most underfunded areas in cancer research. This lack of funding severely limits the ability to discover new treatments and improve outcomes for patients and families facing this disease.

Our nonprofit was founded in memory of our father, who bravely battled GBM, to raise awareness, support families, and fund research efforts to find a cure. Every step taken during this 5K helps bring us closer to new discoveries, better treatments, and hope for those affected by this devastating disease. By participating, donating, or spreading the word, you are helping honor his legacy and fuel critical research that could save lives in the future.

For more information on GBM you can visit: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17032-glioblastoma

Simple put: A man who dedicated himself fully to serving others. 

Who he is to us: Dad.

A proud Danville native, he grew up on Westview Drive and graduated from George Washington High School, where he was a member of the band. He continued his academic journey at Virginia Tech (Go Hokies!) as part of the Corps of Cadets, building the foundation for a life rooted in discipline, service, and integrity.

After college, he returned home to serve his community with the Danville Police Department for seven years. His passion for helping others then led him to the Lynchburg Police Department, where he continued his service for another seven years. He later transitioned to the Lynchburg Fire Department, combining his commitment to public safety with his skills in IT, and ultimately continued that work with the City of Lynchburg through the end of his career.

He devoted his life to helping others in every role he held, always putting service above self. In November 2021, he was diagnosed with glioblastoma (GBM), a battle he faced with unwavering strength, courage, and faith. His motto throughout it all was, “It might kill me, but it won’t destroy me.” And it never did. He passed on May 5, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love, service, resilience, and a family that deeply loved him.

He remained a pillar of strength, grounded in his faith, and a loving husband, father, brother, and son till the very end. His legacy lives on not only in the lives he touched through his service, but in the love he gave so freely to his family and community.

This run and nonprofit were founded by his three daughters, Sophie, Taylor, and Sarah, to honor their father’s memory, and continue his spirit of helping others.

This run is to honor his memory—to honor his life, his strength, his unwavering commitment to others, and to help aid in finding a cure for GBM.