Run Brave 5K
Run Brave 5K logo

Run Brave 5K

Charlottesville, Virginia, United States
Sep 13, 2026
Running

About this race

Since 2009, what began as the Splash 5K has been the Ishan Gala Foundation's signature annual fundraiser — bringing together families, businesses, and community members in support of children and families battling cancer. Originally held as a pool party at ACAC Waterpark in honor of Ishan Gala's birthday, the event evolved over the years to meet a growing community of supporters.

In 2015, the event expanded to include a 5K run/walk, which quickly grew into the centerpiece of the celebration. As the event continued to evolve, so did its identity.

This year, we are proud to introduce the newly rebranded Run Brave 5K — a name that better reflects the courage, resilience, and strength of the children and families at the heart of our mission. Held on a scenic paved course at Darden Towe Park, Run Brave 5K offers an inspiring, family-friendly experience for participants of all ages.

The morning will also feature a Kids Dash before the race, prizes for top finishers, sponsor booths, games, and activities — all designed to bring our community together. Run Brave 5K is more than a race; it is a celebration of hope, courage, and community support for families facing pediatric cancer.

About IGF:

IGF was founded by Mayank and Sejal Gala after the loss of their 2 year old son, Ishan, to neuroblastoma in 2008. They witnessed the many hardships families faced and the lack of research for treatment for Neuroblastoma. They began by providing vital research grants to support clinical trials focused on finding less toxic treatments and helping families with financial burdens. In 2015, IGF began to switch its focus on strictly supporting families financially and emotionally in Virginia then expanding nationally.
 
The Ishan Gala Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit with a mission to be present in lives of children fighting cancer and their families to improve their quality of life during and after treatment. IGF fulfills its mission through various programs focused on easing financial stress, celebrating milestones in their lives, comforting during the bad days, and bringing moments of joy and fun into their lives during this extremely long, tough journey. We also help families during the holiday's through our Holiday Cheer Program by fulfilling wishlists, providing wrapping supplies, grocery gift cards and a holiday party exclusively for families. 
 
From something as simple as delivering a smile to taking care of a month of bills …we are there for our families.
 
For more information please visit www.ishangala.org

Pick your distance

Running

Run Brave 5K Registration

Includes t-shirt and medal. Must register by 8/25/26 7:00 a.m. (EST) to be guaranteed the shirt and medal Post race snacks and drinks will be provided. Stay after the race for prizes, snacks and few words from an IGF family. Discount provided for ages 5-14

Sep 13, 2026 5K 8:15 AM
$25.00
Open

Virtual Run Brave 5K registration

Includes t-shirt and medal. Must register by 8/25/26 7:00 a.m. (EST) to be guaranteed the shirt and medal Discount provided for ages 5-14

Sep 13, 2026 5K 8:00 AM
$35.00
Open

Run Brave Kids Dash

Must be 12 or younger to participate in Kids Dash Includes t-shirt and medal. Must register by 8/25/26 7:00 a.m. (EST) to be guaranteed the shirt and medal

Sep 13, 2026 Run Brave Kids Dash 8:00 AM
$15.00
Open

Typical race-day weather

Based on 7 years of historical conditions on this event's race dates in Charlottesville.

Temp (°C)
Minimum temperature (race-day average) 17.2° / Maximum temperature (race-day average) 28.8°
Feels Like (°C)
Minimum feels like — heat index / wind chill (race-day average) 17.2° / Maximum feels like — heat index / wind chill (race-day average) 31.9°
Wind (km/h)
Average wind speed (race-day average)
12.6
Precip (mm)
Average precipitation (race-day average)
1.5mm
Humidity
Average relative humidity (race-day average)
67.5%

About Charlottesville

Run Brave 5K takes place in Charlottesville, Virginia, United States. The local timezone is America/New_York.

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Race information has been sourced from the event's official website and other publicly available resources. For the most up-to-date details, please refer to the official website directly. If you notice any incorrect or missing information, don't hesitate to reach out to us by email.

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