Run for Love 5k

Check-in for the race begins at 10 AM, and the race will begin promptly at 11 AM.

This will be the Alpha Lambda chapter's eighth annual mental health awareness run for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Outrace the Stigma began in 2017 to raise awareness for mental health and the resources available at North Carolina State University and the greater Triangle area.

NAMI is a non-profit organization that raises awareness and provides essential education, advocacy, and support groups at no cost for people living with mental illness and their loved ones. NAMI addresses the mental health needs of our community, replaces stigma with understanding, and helps thousands of families and individuals each year​.

Approximately 1 in 5 adults in the United States, or 43.8 million adults, experience mental illness in a given year.

Omega Phi Alpha is a national service sorority with 30 chapters across the United States. Omega Phi Alpha's motto is "Today's friends, tomorrow's leaders, forever in service." Our permanent project has been mental health since 1971, chosen by our late National President Susan Terzian. This project is extremely important to our chapter, and we are focusing on bringing awareness around the issue of mental health in the greater Raleigh area.

This event is more than just a race; it's a chance to unite in support of mental health initiatives and be a part of a community dedicated to making a difference. By participating, you're contributing to a significant cause, with proceeds going towards a local Triangle organization that focuses on mental health.

Join us in person for the Break the Silence 5K, taking place in April 19, 2026 at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, NC. Registration includes T-shirt, Race bib, and Wristband.

This is the 14th anniversary of this beloved event benefitting Second Chance Pet Adoptions, the oldest no-kill animal rescue organization in Raleigh, NC serving Wake, Durham, Orange, Johnston and Chatham counties. Racing for Rescues includes a timed 5K for runners both with and without their dogs as well as a one-mile family-friendly walk. This event will be held at WakeMed Soccer Park in Cary, NC.

Also included is a family festival with fun for the entire family, local vendors selling their handmade gifts and treats and local food trucks!

Come and enjoy a fun day and visit with adoptable dogs. You just might meet your new four-legged best friend!

Sunday, May 3, 2026

Wake Med Soccer Park, Cary NC

8:00 am - 12:00 pm

The 2026 Racing for Rescues event features:

• A timed 5K race with prizes for fastest runners in their age categories both WITH and WITHOUT dogs

• A separate one-mile walking course for people (and their dogs!) who prefer to take it easy

• A special event t-shirt

• NEW THIS YEAR a fun costume contest for people and their pets -- open to everyone! Several prizes available!

• An amazing raffle prize! (need not be present to win)

• Complimentary snacks and beverages to help you power up and cool down

• A vendor village catering to pet owners and athletes alike, including a "Make Your Own" Dog Treat bar

Benefitting Many Local Charities

Course Records - WakeMed Soccer Park

Set a NEW course record & win a $10 gift code!

5K - Male: J. Timmons - 17:30 (2023) 8K - Male: G. Wright Colopy - 28:31 (2017)

5K - Female: L. Duncan - 19:55 (2019) 8K - Female: J. Franklin - 32:07 (2018)

RUN, WALK, ROLL, OR STROLL!

Nonprofits provide important programs and services to our community for the needs not met by the government or other organizations. Unfortunately, they can't all have their own races to help raise support for their missions. That's why Fit & Able is staging the Bloom & Zoom charity distance festival at no charge to the participating nonprofits to help them raise much needed revenue and provide them the opportunity to raise awareness about their efforts too.

IN-PERSON RACE INFORMATION

VIRTUAL RACE INFORMATION

COURSE MAPS

EXHIBITOR INFORMATION

SPECTATOR INFORMATION

Participating Nonprofits Include (TBA as they join!):

• Salvation Army of Wake County

• Cary Rotary Club

• Alliance Medical Ministry

• HD Reach

• Cary Sister Cities

• Piedmont Health

If you know of a great local charitable organization that may like to participate in the Bloom & Zoom please contact us at info@fitandable.net.

All races will have a mass start at 8:00 AM for the Fun Mile and 8:15 AM for the 5K / 8K and the course closes for all races at 9:45 AM (In-person Race Day Schedule). Please consider your race pace when deciding which event to run. * For any participants who feel they may need some extra time, please contact us at info@fitandable.net.

WHAT'S INCLUDED WITH BLOOM & ZOOM REGISTRATION:

• IN-PERSON and VIRTUAL 5K, 8K, and Fun Mile race options

• Bloom & Zoom finishers medal and gift included for all 5K, 8K, and Fun Mile participants (guaranteed if signed up by April 26th). Shirts available for purchase separately.

• Over $4,000 in potential in-person & virtual Overall (Top 3 Male / Female), Age Group (Top 3 Male / Female), Picking Up the Pace, and New Course Record awards

• Great rewards and prizes you can earn by referring your friends and family to sign up with you or even recruiting them to race as a "team"! * More details below

• Earn points for Fit & Able's Free-for-All Race Series to win big end-of-year prizes! Check out the current standings: Free-for-All Race Series.

If you are interested in sponsoring Bloom & Zoom please email Info@FitandAble.net for more information!

We can't wait to see you at Bloom & Zoom!