Event takes place in University Research Park

Get in the holiday spirit – and give help to cancer patients – by joining the Run Run Rudolph 5K/10K race and walk, Dec. 6 in University Research Park. Organizers hope to draw 500 costume-attired runners for a morning of fun and fitness. Entry fees will fund crucial support for people diagnosed with brain tumors.

Costumes, cocoa and festive music, too

University City resident and athletic-event organizer Neal Boyd launched Run Run Rudolph in 2013 as a fun way of keeping people active around the holidays while raising money for a good cause – The Brain Tumor Fund for the Carolinas.

The race fun includes both team and individual awards for top finishers and a holiday costume competition, with the winners receiving a $50 gift certificate from University City’s Run For Your Life store at the Arbors. Races will start about 8 am. Hang around after the race to enjoy hot chocolate with friends and family. There will also be vendors, festive music and the awards ceremony.

Helping stage the event are Run For Your Life and presenting sponsor Peak 10, which is providing the event staging area at its facility at 10101 David Taylor Drive. Other sponsors include Carolina Neurosurgery & Spine Associates, Southeast Radiation Oncology Group, Levine Cancer Institute and University City Partners.

Offering support for cancer victims

The Brain Tumor Fund for the Carolinas is a not-for-profit local organization that seeks to increase public awareness of the impact of brain tumors, fund research and help brain-tumor patients cope with this often-fatal disease.

Most of the money raised by Run Run Rudolph – both through entrance fees and a separate fund-raising effort – will go to support the Brain Tumor Fund’s Navigator program, says Executive Director Traci DeFelice.

The Navigator’s role is to “connect the dots” for people newly diagnosed with brain tumors, as well as their families.

“When the neurosurgeon says, ‘We did a scan and you have cancer,’ that person (getting the diagnosis) sort of leaves,” DeFelice explains. “The Navigator helps with all the things that come after that. You’re shell-shocked and don’t know where to start with insurance or medical treatment.

“And it’s not just that person’s journey; it’s the family’s journey, as well.”

The Brain Tumor Fund currently has one Navigator, who serves 12-14 people per day. About 2,000 people in the Charlotte area get diagnosed with brain tumors each year, DeFelice says.

How to run or help

• Enter Run Run Rudolph – Both individuals and teams can compete in the 5K and 10K and take part in the walk. Individual fees are $25 for the 5K and $30 for the 10K through Dec. 4; and $30 and $35, respectively, at the event. Walkers and walker-team members: $15 each. CLICK HERE for event details and to register online.

• Make a donation – CLICK HERE to make a direct donation to the Brain Tumor Fund.

• Volunteer – To learn how you can help the Brain Tumor Fund and Run Run Rudolph, contact Traci DeFelice at 704-635-8643 or braintumorfund@carolina.rr.com