Straightening The Path 5K

We are THRILLED to announce that we are hosting our 2nd annual “Straightening the Path 5K” fundraiser to help raise money and awareness in educating children, parents, and healthcare providers about early detection. While also preventing major surgeries and improving lifestyles of the millions of people affected by scoliosis. We are so thankful and grateful to our 177 registered participants, 14 sponsors and donors as we raised over $21,000 last year.

We welcome ALL (volunteers, competitive or recreational participants, spectators, sponsors and donors) to join us June 28th, 2026 at WakeMed Cary Soccer Park. We would also love your help in bringing together as many people affected by scoliosis as possible so we can connect with one another, offer support and to remind everyone that they are not alone! If you want to create a team or recruit participants, we are offering discounts and giveaways.

After all race expenses have been paid, all proceeds raised will be going to support the National Scoliosis Foundation which is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization founded by patients that focuses on promoting public awareness, providing reliable information, fostering ongoing research in the field, and educating and nurturing the community of those affected by scoliosis.

For more details on why I started this 5K, click here ("My Story & Why a 5K").

Registration:
All participants in this 5K can either enter as a timed or non-timed entry. Those who register as “timed” will receive an official finish time, will be listed in the results and will be eligible for an award. Those who choose to register “untimed” will not be listed in the results nor be eligible for awards. All finishers will be able to see their finish time on a digital clock at the finish line. Race results will also be posted at the race and at wwwruntheeast.com.

Preregistered entrants can pick up their packets and late entrants can register at the race site, race day morning beginning at 7:15 am. The 5K starts at 8:30 am.

Categories/Fees:
-5K- timed (official results) $35 (13 yrs old and older)
-5K- untimed (no official results) $35 (13 yrs old and older)
-5K- timed (official results) $25 (12 yrs old or younger)
-5K- untimed (no official results) $25 (12 yrs old or younger)
-Virtual Entry (untimed -if you can’t attend but want to help our cause and get a t-shirt mailed) $40

Team Registrations:
-Team of 10+ people= $5 discount to all
-Team of 20+ people= $7 discount to all

Referral Program (recruit friends, family or co-workers):
-5+ referred= free entry for you

Giveaway:
All participants and virtual runners will receive a swag bag and a t-shirt with sizes guaranteed to all those registered by June 14th. After June 14th, t-shirts and sizes are NOT guaranteed and be given as first come basis.

Awards:
Awards will be presented to the top overall male & female finisher and to the top 3 finishers (both male and female) in the following age groups: 14-under,15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60-over. Have to be present to receive your award.

Course:
The 5K (3.1 mile) will be held at the WakeMed Soccer Park located at 201 Soccer Park Drive in Cary. There will be direction signs and race volunteers on the course directing you where to go. There will be a water stations halfway through the course, and water will be provided at the Start/Finish Line for all participants. We will also have fruit and snacks for all to enjoy.