Pink Up the Pace 5K & Honor Walk

The 2026 Pink Up the Pace 5K & Honor Walk is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Manhattan, KS. This annual downtown tradition serves as a major fundraiser for breast cancer research, with all proceeds benefiting the Johnson Cancer Research Center. Manhattan, known as "The Little Apple," has a population of approximately 54,000 and is characterized by a demographic that is 78.4% White, 6.7% Hispanic or Latino, 5.7% Black or African American, and 5.2% Asian. The city's identity is closely tied to Kansas State University, and events like this unite the local student population and permanent residents in support of critical medical advancements.

Course and Awards

The race route is a scenic out-and-back course that begins in front of AJ’s Pizzeria on Poyntz Avenue. Runners travel west toward Manhattan High School before looping back to the starting gate. The 5K is a competitive event, offering medals for the top two overall winners, as well as awards for the top three male and female finishers in each age division. For those preferring a non-competitive pace, the One Mile Honor Walk provides a meaningful way to commemorate loved ones affected by cancer while contributing to the fundraising goal.

Registration and Logistics

Entry fees are inclusive of all taxes and processing charges. The 5K is currently priced at $28.34, with a scheduled increase to $33.71 on April 1st. The 1 Mile Honor Walk is available for $22.97, rising to $28.34 after the March 31st deadline. Participants can pick up their race packets at the Manhattan Running Company on the day before the race, or at the downtown starting area beginning at 7:00 AM on race day. To date, 146 participants have registered to support the cause.

Impact and Contact

By participating in Pink Up the Pace, runners directly fund local research initiatives at the Johnson Cancer Research Center, which supports faculty and student scientists in their quest for better treatments and cures. For further details on volunteer roles or sponsorship opportunities, event coordinator Sherri Minick can be reached at 785-537-9683. The event continues to be a cornerstone of Manhattan's spring community calendar, fostering hope and collective action against breast cancer.