Heroes for Hope 5K & Fun Run

Event Overview

Be a hero for the kids! Join us at the Maryville Greenbelt Amphitheater on Saturday, April 25, 2026 for our seventh annual Heroes for Hope 5K & Fun Run fundraiser. Let's join forces and get moving to raise awareness for child abuse prevention. All proceeds benefit New Hope Children's Advocacy Center. Remember to register before April 10th to ensure you receive a t-shirt.

About the Cause

• Statistics: 1 in 10 children will be sexually abused before the age of 18.
• Mission: To restore hope to abused or traumatized children and their families in Blount County.
• Belief: Every child deserves a healthy, safe childhood.
• Call to Action: Use your superpower to take a stand against child abuse, and register for our race today!

Age Groups

• 5K - Adult
• 5K - Child (10 and under)
• Fun Run - Child (10 and under)
• VIRTUAL 5K - All Ages
• Sleeping But Supporting - Sponsor a Child’s Race Entry

Race Schedule

• Fun Run Start: 8:00am
• 5K Start: 8:30am
• Location: Maryville Greenbelt Amphitheater
• Virtual Option: May be run anywhere, any time, with time submission required before 11:59pm on race day (April 25).

Packet Pick-Up

Packet pick-up will be available on Friday, April 24 from 3-6pm at the Maryville Greenbelt Pavilion next to the Amphitheater.
If you are running with a Champion, T-Shirt, or Superhero level sponsor group, your packet will be delivered to your place of business.

T-Shirts

• T-Shirt Option: Select during registration by April 10.
• Availability: T-shirts will be available during packet pick-up and at check-in on race day.
• Deadline: Registrations submitted after April 11 will not be guaranteed a t-shirt.
• Recommendation: Be sure to register early!

Sponsor a Child’s Race Entry

If you cannot run or attend but still wish to make a difference, you can sponsor a child’s race entry for local Elementary Run Club participants who otherwise would not have the means to join. Your gift gives them the opportunity to experience the Fun Run or 5K and be part of this special event while supporting child abuse prevention.

Race Day Parking

• Between Broadway & Church Street
• Across from Dandy Lions Gifts
• Parking garage between Harper & Broadway

Race Day Check-In

Race day check-in will be available from 7:30-8:15am at the pavilion next to the Amphitheater.

The Course

Visit HERE to view our certified course map.

Results

• Start Times: A staggered start time will be announced by air horn or whistle.
• Scoring: Runners will be scored on chip time.
• Results Posting: Results will be available after the race on the "Results" page.
• Awards: Winners of each age group will be announced and awarded at the end of the 5K.

Race Groups

Male: <10, 11-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, >60
Female: <10, 11-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, >60

Submit Your Time

The virtual race can be run anywhere, any time through the end of race day. Participants will have the option to submit their time via the RunSignup race page under "Results". See below for instructions:

1. On this page's menu, select "Results"
2. Select "Submit Virtual Results"
3. Find your registration by searching either first or last name, email, or DOB
4. On your registration, click "Submit Virtual Results"
5. Add your time and click "Submit Results"

Sponsors & Community Partners

We are excited to partner with several local businesses to make this a fun, family-friendly event. If you are a business interested in sponsoring the race financially or through in-kind services, please email Marketing & Events Director Anna Ferrell at aferrell@blountkids.org. We would love to partner with you!

Other Information

All children must be accompanied by a legal guardian or caregiver at all times during the event. Children may not be left unattended during or after the Fun Run.
Please ensure that all pets remain on a leash at all times.
This race will be a rain or shine event! No refunds.

Registration Link

For more details and to register, please visit this link.