The Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation’s 5K race is returning for its 23rd year on Saturday, October 10, 2026.

Again, this year’s event is being held in honor of Donna Peele, a beloved founding member of the Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation (HICF) who lost her own battle with breast cancer on Saturday, October 14, 2023.

The annual race is one of the primary fundraising events for the HICF, which has been instrumental to the local community for more than two decades.

Founded in 2000, the HICF provides assistance to local residents dealing with cancer to help with needs such as travel expenses, prescriptions, and medical supplies, as well as medical bills that are not covered by insurance. Since its inception, the HICF has assisted hundreds of islanders with cancer and their families with grants in excess of $1,000,000.

The cost to join in the 5K is $25 in advance and $30 on the day of the race. Children 12 and under are $15.  Children in strollers are free.  The price includes this year’s HICF 5K T-shirt and awards.

The course entails a scenic run, walk, or bike ride through a quiet soundside neighborhood of Kinnakeet Shores in Avon. Folks are encouraged to wear pink in honor of Donna Peele, and to mark October’s significance as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the race starts at 9 a.m.

For more information on the HICF, and to make a donation to one of Hatteras Island’s most esteemed non-profit organizations, visit https://www.facebook.com/HICancerFoundation or https://hicf.org/.