The Grey 5K - First Responders' Edition

The Grey 5K - First Responders' Edition takes place on Saturday, 30 May 2026 at 10:00 AM EDT at Sadler's Pond Nature Park, Forest Avenue, Essex, Ontario, Canada. This event, powered by Empire Roofing Corporation and Essex County K9 Services, invites local first responders to register for friendly competition among agencies—Fire, EMS, and Police—while welcoming all community members to participate as individuals or teams. Registration begins at 8:00 AM, and the run/walk starts at 10:00 AM.

Jaida Chartier was a 12-year-old Essex resident who bravely fought Diffuse Midline Glioma with H3K27 mutation Brain Cancer for 14 months before peacefully passing away on 31 July 2024. During Jaida's battle, Essex County first response agencies stepped up and supported Jaida and her family—support that has not been forgotten. In keeping with a promise made to Jaida by her parents to pay it forward while continuing Jaida's fight against childhood cancer, this 5K Run/Walk raises money to fund childhood cancer research, specifically pediatric brain cancer.

The month of May is significant as it commemorates Brain Tumour/Cancer month, symbolized by the Grey Cancer Ribbon. On 31 May 2023, Jaida's battle began when she was airlifted from Windsor Regional Hospital – Ouellette Campus to London Children's Hospital. This event honours that journey.

Last year's event raised $15,000. This year, organizers are looking to surpass that amount. As of the current update, CA$1,790.85 has been raised toward the CA$5,000 goal, with 62 participants registered. Sponsors include Essex County K9 Services, Essex Power Corporation, Empire Roofing Corporation, Tandem Engineering Group, VAL Mechanical Heating & Cooling, Baker Tilly, and Councillor Kimberly Verbeek of the Town of Essex.

Registration fee includes a custom T-shirt. Participants may register to walk or run the 5K. A slight change to this year's race route will be announced—stay tuned. The event is held at the same venue as last year (Sadler's Nature Park and Trail) with registration beginning at 8:00 AM and the run/walk starting at 10:00 AM.

Join us once again to show continued support for our hero Jaida. Let her know she will never be forgotten, and together we will continue her battle to find a cure for our littlest heroes. Whether you are a first responder competing for agency bragging rights or a community member walking in solidarity, your participation matters.