HEARTest Yard + Showmars 5K

About the HEARTest Yard + Showmars 5K presented by LifeShare Carolinas

With great privilege, the HEARTest Yard Program and Showmars Restaurants join forces to host the seventh annual HEARTest Yard + Showmars 5K presented by LifeShare Carolinas! With a like-minded mission to support Levine Children’s Hospital, we’ve teamed up to maximize our impact and fundraising potential to meet the needs of and care for as many children affected by congenital heart diseases and disorders as possible. 

With pre-race activities (day-of registration, packet pick-up, announcements, etc.), join Greg Olsen and his family at the HEARTest Yard + Showmars 5K presented by LifeShare Carolinas start line upon completion of the pre-race program. Run or walk the scenic streets of the Queen City. After the race stick around and join us at a post-race celebration that will include comments from Greg Olsen, a complimentary Kid’s Fun Run, refreshments, music, inflatables and more. 

WE'RE BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER IN 2023!!

FUNdraising Challenge

Put the FUN in FUNdraising! The HEARTest Yard + Showmars 5K presented by LifeShare Carolinas challenges YOU to commit to FUNdraising $100 on behalf of yourself or your team.

Each participant that raises a minimum of $100 as an individual or as part of a team will receive a complimentary, limited edition t-shirt! And that's just the beginning. Capture more Halve a Heart swag and even a Meet & Greet with Greg Olsen. 

Get started with these simple following FUNdraising tips:

- Join in on the FUN! Make the first $5 donation to kick-start your campaign!
- Ask 10 colleagues to make a $1 donation.
- Ask 5 family members to make a $5 donation.
- Ask 2 friends to make a $5 donation.

FUNdraising Incentives & Prizes

Now in its seventh season, the HEARTest Yard + Showmars 5K presented by LifeShare Carolinas has experienced significant growth and success thanks in large part to our participants who are devoted to raising awareness and funds for children with congenital heart diseases/disorders. Perhaps individuals or teams are inspired by a son/daughter, sibling, cousin or friend – whatever motivates you, the HEARTest Yard + Showmars 5K presented by LifeShare Carolinas recognizes that together we can achieve more.

To the heart babies, families, and friends in the crowd, we acknowledge and honor your efforts to impact the lives of children receiving care at Levine Children’s Hospital, and to reward that effort, fundraising prizes are BIGGER and BETTER this year.

Individual Fundraising Prizes

$250 Donation - One (1) HEARTest Yard "Halve-A-Heart" hoodie by Sportiqe

$500 Donation - One (1) Carolina Panthers X Levine Children's Hospital limited edition beanie designed by Greg Olsen + all previous incentives

$1,000 Donation - One (1) HEARTest Yard blanket by Sportiqe + all previous incentives

$5,000 Donation - One (1) Greg Olsen autograph + all previous incentives

These incentives listed above are for individuals who make donations at the designated levels, overall team fundraising prizes are listed below. If you qualify for a prize based on your individual fundraising efforts, a member of the HEARTest Yard team will contact you to pick up your prize after the race.

Team Fundraising Prizes

1) First Place Individual or Team Fundraiser: We have something fun in the works -- STAY TUNED!

2) Second Place Individual or Team Fundraiser: Private dinner for (15) fifteen at Showmars, including an appearance by Greg Olsen (15 participating individuals determined by winning individual/team).

3) Third Place Individual or Team Fundraiser: Team or individual photo – autographed and framed – and a HALVE A HEART t-shirt for (10) ten (10 recipients determined by winning individual/team).

BREAKFAST WITH GREG OLSEN! 

With an $88 donation to Levine Children’s Hospital, you’ll sit down with Greg, where you can chat about his vision behind The HEARTest Yard, his time in the NFL, his life in Charlotte, and his new career covering the NFL as an analyst and commentator. 

The HEARTest Yard is very important to Greg and his wife Kara after their son was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome.  All of your donations with help with the HEARTest Yard Fund, which offers services, including in-home private nursing care, physical therapy, and speech therapy, at no charge to families. Greg, his wife Kara, and The HEARTest Yard have the goal to prevent children's complications from congenital heart disease and improve their long-term health.

Due to the format of the event, space is limited, so it’s essential that you RSVP today If you want to meet Greg. CLICK HERE TO RSVP!

An $88 donation will be collected during the event at Showmars Dilworth Kitchen, located on East Boulevard, and is payable by cash or credit.

EVENT DAY DETAILS

No On-Site Registration! REGISTRATION!

To improve the efficiency of the HEARTest Yard + Showmars 5K presented by LifeShare Carolinas event day packet pick-up and the pre-race celebration experience, the HEARTest Yard + Showmars 5K presented by LifeShare Carolinas WILL NOT offer on-site, event day registration in 2023. Participants MUST register online by 11:59 p.m. Friday, April 21. Please encourage any family, friends, or teammates to register now!

Early Packet Pick-Up

Skip the line! For your convenience, take advantage of early packet pick-up to avoid long wait times.

Run For Your Life Midtown (901 South Kings Drive, Charlotte, NC 28204)
Friday, April 21 10:30 a.m.- 6 p.m

Day of Location - CMC Myers Park
Saturday, April 22 6:30-7:45 a.m.

Schedule of Events

Subject to change.
6:30-7:45 a.m.; Event day packet pick-up
7:40 a.m.; Opening remarks
7:50 a.m.; Parade march to start line
8 a.m.; HEARTest Yard + Showmars 5K begins
9:15 a.m.; Kids Fun Run (finish line at Levine Children’s Hospital)
9:30 a.m.; Program and presentation of awards

Please join us at our post-race activities/celebration for family-friendly fun, and refreshments and to pay a visit to our valued on-site sponsors and vendors! 

About The HEARTest Yard + Showmars 5K

With great privilege, the HEARTest Yard Program and Showmars Restaurants join forces to host the seventh annual HEARTest Yard + Showmars 5K presented by LifeShare Carolinas. With a like-minded mission to support Levine Children’s Hospital, we’ve joined forces to maximize our impact and fundraising potential to meet the needs of and care for as many children affected by congenital heart diseases and disorders as possible. 100% of proceeds generated during this family-friendly event will benefit programs (HEARTest Yard Initiative) at Levine Children’s Hospital.

About Levine Children's Hospital

When it comes to a child’s heart, getting the best care is all that matters. With nationally recognized, board-certified pediatric cardiac specialists, the Congenital Heart Center at Levine Children’s Hospital is the preeminent pediatric cardiac center in the region. Levine Children’s Hospital was established in 2007 and offers more than 30 specialized treatments, including transplants, cancer care, and the region's highest level of neonatal intensive care. Together, the HEARTest Yard, Showmars, and Levine Children’s Hospital are investing in research and education, ensuring the best care for the children of the Carolinas.

Weather

This is a rain-or-shine event. The event will go on regardless of the rain. If severe weather persists, every effort will be made to reschedule the event with CDOT and CMPD. In the case that the event is canceled, we will contact you before race day.