The Transplant Run 5K is a community-driven athletic and fundraising event scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 2026, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Hosted by Atrium Health’s Sanger Heart & Vascular Institute, the race supports patients undergoing heart transplants and mechanical circulatory support (VAD). Proceeds go toward a patient needs fund that assists with essential medications, medical equipment, and utility costs for home-based medical devices. The event is a unique celebration of life, where transplant and VAD recipients participate for free, often running or walking alongside the medical teams and community members who support them.
| Race Category | Start Time | Registration Note |
|---|---|---|
| 5K Run/Walk | 8:00 AM EDT | Ages 12 & Under have reduced pricing |
| 1 Mile Run/Walk | 8:00 AM EDT | Accessible option for all levels |
| Sleep In Supporter | N/A | Remote support for the cause |
| Transplant/VAD Patients | 8:00 AM EDT | Free participation |
Charlotte is the largest city in North Carolina and a major financial center, with a population of approximately 897,000 residents. As a regional leader in healthcare, the city hosts some of the most advanced cardiac centers in the southeastern United States. The demographic profile is approximately 39% White, 35% Black, 15% Hispanic, and 7% Asian. The median household income is roughly $74,000 CAD. McAlpine Creek Park, located on Monroe Road, is a premier destination for cross-country running, featuring a championship 5K course known for its wide gravel paths and scenic wooded sections. The park provides dedicated accessible parking to ensure all supporters, including those with limited mobility, can attend comfortably.
The 2026 event features a significant $20,000 matching gift from the Tysinger Family Foundation, effectively doubling the impact of every donation made toward the $10,000 USD goal. Teams like "Dickson Heart ICU" and "JB’s Cardiac Warriors" lead the fundraising efforts, reflecting the deep involvement of hospital staff and patient families. Early registration is encouraged to guarantee an event T-shirt, with pricing increasing as race day approaches. Managed by Start 2 Finish, the event ensures a professional race experience while maintaining a heartfelt focus on the resilience of the transplant community. Every mile completed helps bridge the financial gap for patients transitioning back to health and quality of life.
May 09, 2026
Distance — 1.6K
Type — Running
08:00
$23.39
May 09, 2026
Distance — 1.6K
Type — Running
08:00
$12.69
May 09, 2026
Distance — 5K
Type — Running
08:00
$34.09
May 09, 2026
Distance — 5K
Type — Running
08:00
$12.69
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for May in Charlotte.
Learn more about the host city, Charlotte.
Charlotte is an ambitious and rapidly growing city in the southern part of the Piedmont of North Carolina. It is also developing its fledgling tourist industry; its central core is one of the most visitor-friendly districts in the Carolinas.
Read more launchWatch highlights and course previews from previous years.
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location_on Charlotte, North Carolina, US
calendar_today Apr 11, 2026
location_on Charlotte, North Carolina, US
calendar_today Apr 18, 2026
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