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UNC CPALS 5th Annual Golden Heroes 5k logo

UNC CPALS 5th Annual Golden Heroes 5k

Sun, Apr 19, 2026, 7:30 AM EDT

Location
Chapel Hill, NC
292 E Cameron Ave, 27514
Featured distance
5K
Type
RUN

Sign up and verify details on the organizer’s official page.

At a glance

Run to support pediatric cancer patients and their families through scholarships and grants at this meaningful 5K.

  • Competitive
  • For a Cause

Great for

  • For a Cause

Great for: cause-driven runners, runners who like a competitive edge

The UNC CPALS Golden Heroes 5K supports pediatric hematology and oncology patients at UNC Hospitals. This event is a vital fundraiser for the CPALS Scholarship Program, offering financial assistance for college expenses to patients and their families. Funds also contribute to the CPALS Cares Grant, providing immediate financial support through gift cards. Join this meaningful 5K to help raise awareness and provide crucial financial aid to deserving "pals" and their families. Your participation directly impacts their journey.

What to expect

  • Support pediatric hematology and oncology patients through your registration.
  • Enjoy complimentary bagels on race day.
  • Compete for gift certificates awarded to the top three male and female finishers.

Standout details

  • Benefits pediatric cancer patients
  • Funds scholarships and grants
  • Awards for top finishers
  • Bagels provided post-race

Auto-drafted from the public listing — confirm details on the official event page before signing up.

Vibe Check

Easygoing

Based on terrain, weather, and distance data.

The course

  • Hilly
  • Timed race
From the organizer

Hi! We're CPALS, a non-profit student organization at UNC-Chapel Hill that works closely with UNC Hospitals to support pediatric hematology and oncology patients (our pals!). CPALS members can apply for a 1:1 Pal to support a specific patient and their family during inpatient stays and/or clinic visits. This is a really meaningful relationship for both our patients and our volunteers!

In addition to volunteering our time to create programming and friendship with our pals, we work throughout the year to raise funds for the CPALS Scholarship Program. Through this program we provide financial assistance to our pals for college expenses, which helps their families who have endured the unexpected costs of treatment. We also fund the CPALS Cares Grant to supply immediate financial support to patient families through gift cards to places such as restaurants and convenience stores.​

This year, we are hosting the Golden Heroes 5K (named after the color of the childhood cancer awareness ribbon and for our pals) again in the hopes of raising both awareness and funds for our cause. With your help, we hope to provide even greater financial assistance to our deserving pals! In lieu of T-shirts this year, every registration is part of a larger donation that goes directly to the clinic. People who register will receive free bagels on race day, and there will be gift certificates for the top three male and female finishers. Packet pick up will be on April 18th from 3-6 pm at Fleet Feet Carrboro and there will be free Brandwein's Bagels provided at the race! The race will start at Bynum Circle (by the Old Well).

To register and support our cause, please sign up using this page.  There will be same day and walk-in registration.

Questions, comments, want more information? Contact us (fundraising@unccpals.com) or visit our official websites at: https://www.goldenheroes5k.com/ and https://cpals.web.unc.edu/

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