Whether you want to participate in an engaging activity, support a local charity or cause, or have a memorable experience with friends or family, here are 12 fundraising runs in the Valley ranging from medical, children’s causes and family fun.
Climb to Conquer Cancer Phoenix– Feb. 29
The American Cancer Society is hosting the 37th Annual Climb to Conquer Cancer event where people of all ages climb 5.5 miles up South Mountain. Donations help fund groundbreaking cancer research, patient care programs, and more. The event will run from 7 a.m. to Noon at South Mountain Park in Phoenix.
Kids’ Chance of Arizona 5k– March 7
The 15th annual 5k benefits Kids’ Chance of Arizona, a non-profit organization that provides college scholarships for children with parents who have been killed or seriously injured on the job. Beginning at 8 a.m. at Evelyn Hallman Park in Tempe, casual runners or competitive runners or encouraged to participate in the event.
Phoenix Zoo Move and Groove– March 7
Multiple events will be taking place at the Phoenix Zoo on March 7th to fundraise for and to build the new Meerkat Habitat. Participate in the 5k or the one-mile leisure loop beginning at 8 a.m. If you’re not a morning person but still want to support the Zoo, you can donate $25 and receive a Zoo Move & Groove t-shirt. You can also participate in their fitness festival from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., which features family activities such as Zoo Ninja Warrior and Kids Karate.
Miles for Migraine– March 7
In the 4th annual Miles for Migraine event, there will be a two-mile walk, a 5k and 10k. While the walk is taking place, there will also be a family-friendly treasure hunt. There, kids and their parents can search for clues and learn more about the body parts associated with migraines. Donations from the event will go towards the Mayo Clinic for the headache fellowship program and research. The walk/run will begin at 9 a.m. in Phoenix.
Tour de Cure: Arizona – March 14
Benefiting the American Diabetes Association, the Tour de Cure offers ride, run and walk route options. Safety marshals, safety vehicles and rest stops will be present throughout the routes. Check-in for the 5k run/walk begins at 9 a.m., while the other routes ranging from 10-100 miles have check-in as early as 6 a.m.
AZ Walk of Courage– March 21
This walk advocates for burn survivors to create awareness and build a community of inclusion, love and healing. If you’re unable to attend the race in person, there is a virtual option. The virtual race can be done on a treadmill, a walk or run around a neighborhood, or anywhere else of the participant’s choosing. Race registration for in-person participants will begin at 7:00 a.m. at Arizona Falls in Phoenix.
Superhero 5k– March 28
After raising $5,000 for the Southwest Family Advocacy Center, the Superhero 5k is back for a second year. The event features a three-lap course around Steele Indian School Park with a superhero theme. Participants are encouraged to dress up and will have the opportunity to meet more than 40 superheroes throughout the course. Proceeds from the event provide food, school-supplies, clothing, diapers, water, superhero action figures, barbie dolls and more to children in crisis. The event will begin at 8 a.m.
Stride for Sight-March 29
Held at Arizona Boardwalk in Scottsdale, this event will feature a 5k and a relaxed one-mile walk. There is also a twist with the Blindfold Challenge, where you can compete in the 5k run blindfolded with a sighted guide. This event helps fund the comprehensive programs at the Foundation for Blind Children. The 5k is scheduled to start at 8 a.m.
Relay for Life of West Valley AZ– April 4
There are multiple parts of Relay for Life kicking off at 12 p.m. First, there will be an opening ceremony where everyone who’s been affected by cancer is honored. Then a walk takes place that honors cancer survivors and their caregivers. A Luminaria Ceremony happens after the walk where each light represents a life taken by cancer, a survivor of cancer, or support for the person still fighting the disease. At the closing ceremony, everyone comes together to celebrate the accomplishments from the day. Donations for this event helps fund groundbreaking research and patient care programs through the American Cancer Society.
D-Backs Race Against Cancer– April 5
The Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation will be hosting its 8th Annual D-backs Race Against Cancer presented by Dignity Health. This event will benefit Arizona non-profit screening, treatment and support for those impacted by cancer. A 5k run will begin at 7:15 a.m. and a one-mile family fun walk will start at 8:30 a.m.
Girls on the Run-organization 5k– April 25
This event features a scenic 5k and flat one-mile courses. Other activities include music, snacks, free photos, a hair station, massages and more. 100 percent of this race’s proceeds go to the Girls on the Run organization. Girls on the Run is a 10-week program that teaches 3rd to 8th graders essential skills to navigate the world and establish an appreciation for health and fitness. The one-mile fun run begins at 7:45 a.m. and the 5k starts at 8:30 a.m. at Wesley Bolin Plaza in Phoenix.
Giving Hope 5k– April 26
Supporting the Children’s Cancer Network, the North Phoenix Chamber of Commerce will host a 5k at Paradise Valley Park. The Children’s Cancer Network provides support for children and families when they are first diagnosed with cancer and the years that follow. Proceeds from each entry of the 5k will go towards buying gasoline cards for families in need of transportation to and from Phoenix Children’s Hospital. The 5k will begin at 7:30 a.m.