Hi! We're CPALS, a non-profit student organization at UNC-Chapel Hill that works closely with UNC Hospitals to support pediatric hematology and oncology patients (our pals!). CPALS members can apply for a 1:1 Pal to support a specific patient and their family during inpatient stays and/or clinic visits. This is a really meaningful relationship for both our patients and our volunteers!
In addition to volunteering our time to create programming and friendship with our pals, we work throughout the year to raise funds for the CPALS Scholarship Program. Through this program we provide financial assistance to our pals for college expenses, which helps their families who have endured the unexpected costs of treatment. We also fund the CPALS Cares Grant to supply immediate financial support to patient families through gift cards to places such as restaurants and convenience stores.
This year, we are hosting the Golden Heroes 5K (named after the color of the childhood cancer awareness ribbon and for our pals) again in the hopes of raising both awareness and funds for our cause. With your help, we hope to provide even greater financial assistance to our deserving pals! In lieu of T-shirts this year, every registration is part of a larger donation that goes directly to the clinic. People who register will receive free bagels on race day, and there will be gift certificates for the top three male and female finishers. Packet pick up will be on March 7th from 12-5 pm at Fleet Feet Carrboro. The race will start at Bynum Circle (by the Old Well).
To register and support our cause, please sign up using this page. There will be same day and walk-in registration.
Questions, comments, want more information? Contact us (fundraising@unccpals.com) or visit our official websites at: https://www.goldenheroes5k.com/ and https://cpals.web.unc.edu/
Mar 08, 2026
Distance — 5K
Type — Running
07:30
$20.00
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for March in Chapel Hill.
Scenic and regularly decked out in "Carolina blue", Chapel Hill is a lovely college town in North Carolina that makes up the westernmost point of the Research Triangle. The town is the smallest of the Triangle's three cities, with an influence and pull that belies its size. Based around the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the town caters heavily to the local student population, with plenty of bars and restaurants near the university's beautiful campus. Immediately to the west of Chapel Hill is the adjacent town of Carrboro, an old mill town now known for its local shops, restaurants and nightlife.
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