Events
5K - Untimed
Virtual Supporter
Place
Cary, NC US 27511
Description
We are THRILLED to announce that we are hosting our 2nd annual “Straightening the Path 5K” fundraiser for scoliosis to help raise money and awareness in educating children, parents, and healthcare providers about early detection. While also preventing major surgeries and improving lifestyles of the millions of people affected by scoliosis. We are so thankful and grateful to our 177 registered participants, 14 sponsors and donors as we raised over $21,000 last year.
We welcome ALL (volunteers, competitive or recreational participants, spectators, sponsors and donors) to join us June 28th, 2026 at WakeMed Cary Soccer Park. We would also love your help in bringing together as many people affected by scoliosis as possible so we can connect with one another, offer support and to remind everyone that they are not alone! If you want to create a team we are offering discounts!
After all race expenses have been paid, all proceeds raised will be going to support the National Scoliosis Foundation which is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization founded by patients that focuses on promoting public awareness, providing reliable information, fostering ongoing research in the field, and educating and nurturing the community of those affected by scoliosis.
Registration:
All participants in this 5K can either enter as a timed or non-timed entry. Those who register as “timed” will receive an official finish time, will be listed in the results and will be eligible for an award. Those who choose to register “untimed” will not be listed in the results nor be eligible for awards. All finishers will be able to see their finish time on a digital clock at the finish line. Race results will also be posted at the race and at wwwruntheeast.com.
Preregistered entrants and day of race entrants can pick up their packets at the race site, race day morning beginning at 7:15 am. The 5K starts at 8:30 am.
Categories/Fees:
5K Timed (official results)
- $35 through 6/5
- $40 6/6 through 6/14
- $45 6/15 through race day
5K Untimed (No official results)
- $35 through 6/5
- $40 6/6 through 6/14
- $45 6/15 through race day
Ages 12 yrs and younger - $25
Virtual Supporter (if you can’t attend but want to help our cause and get a t-shirt and swag bag mailed- includes mailing fees) $45
Team Registrations:
-Team of 10+ people= $5 discount to all
-Team of 20+ people= $7 discount to all
Giveaway:
All participants and virtual supporters will receive a swag bag and a t-shirt with sizes guaranteed to all those registered by June 14th. After June 14th, t-shirts and sizes are NOT guaranteed and be given as first come basis.
Awards:
Awards will be presented to the top overall male & female finisher and to the top 3 finishers (both male and female) in the following age groups: 14-under,15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60-over. Have to be present to receive your award.
Course:
The 5K (3.1 mile) will be held at the WakeMed Soccer Park located at 201 Soccer Park Drive in Cary. There will be direction signs and race volunteers on the course directing you where to go. There will be a water stations halfway through the course, and water will be provided at the Start/Finish Line for all participants. We will also have fruit and snacks for all to enjoy.
My Story & Why I Started a 5K
In the fall of 2022, I heard something unexpected that would change my appearance and active life:
“You have severe scoliosis.” I felt fine and had no idea anything was wrong, so it hit me and my parents
hard. X-rays showed I had all three-dimensional deformities in my spine, with one measuring a 51-
degree curvature and another showing my spine twisting clockwise. My surgeon, Dr. Lloyd Hey at the
Hey Spine Clinic, explained that bracing or physical therapy wouldn’t work for me—surgery was my
only option and fuse most of my spine. I chose to have the surgery in April 2023 as that would mark the
end of my school soccer season and my pain started getting worse. The surgery and recovery were
the toughest challenges I’ve faced in my 17 years. The first four days were especially brutal; I couldn’t
move or walk on my own, and the pain was nonstop. During those first three weeks, I cried a lot, worried
I'd never heal, and I found myself in a dark place. It wasn’t just the physical pain that was hard, it was
also the emotional toll. I missed hanging out with friends and doing activities I loved, like playing
soccer and just being active. I felt frustration and sadness, wondering if I’d ever get back to my normal
life. The thought of losing the ability to be an athlete was devastating to me. All I could do is take one
day at a time and keep pushing myself. About a month post-op, I was walking 10-15 minutes through
the pain. Then, slowly, things began to change. I started to become more independent. I began jogging
which was one of the changing moments for me during my recovery. That moment meant EVERYTHING
to me. I was an avid soccer player, and running was part of being an athlete. With the help of my
family, friends, and a fantastic support team at the Hey Clinic, I started to see small improvements.
Each day, I could move a little more, walk, run a little farther, and my spirits began to lift. My family and
friends encouraged me to continue with a positive mindset. I'm a believer that things happen for a
reason. Through the power of perseverance, I faced this challenge while learning a lot about myself.
Scoliosis has been a huge part of my journey, and even though it’s been tough, I feel stronger and
more resilient than ever thanks to my support system - my family, friends, and surgeon Dr Hey. I’m
excited about my future, ready to take on new challenges and continuing my dream of playing soccer
in college at a D2 school, Valdosta State University in Georgia. You are reading this today because I see
a BIG need for early detection and awareness, so I decided to start North Carolina’s first ever 5k
scoliosis event last year in 2025! I'm asking for your help in supporting this cause and to honor those
who are going through the same journey and obstacles I had to overcome. Raising awareness,
educating, and fundraising are ways to do this and make a difference while giving back. The only way
to do this is by bringing the community together! Thanks for your time and support to make my wish
and goal become a big success! -Lauren
Event Timed by Run The East, LLC
This event is timed by Run the East! With professional race timing services and a focus on delivering accurate results, we’re here to make your race day seamless and enjoyable. Learn more at runtheeast.com.
Race Contact Info
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