9th Annual HOLDEN'S HOPE FOREVER 5K

💖 9th Annual Holden's Hope Forever 5K & 1 Mile Race

Join us for the 9th Annual Holden's Hope Forever Race, where every step you take contributes to a meaningful cause!

The Hope Forever 5K Race is a heartfelt gathering that honors the memory of precious lives while uniting our community in compassion and resilience. We invite you to get involved by sponsoring the event or forming a fundraising team with your friends, family, or colleagues. Together, we can create a day filled with love, remembrance, and support. Your participation as a sponsor or team member celebrates the lives of those we’ve lost and empowers families facing unimaginable challenges. Sign up today to be part of something truly special and make a lasting difference in our community!

Dedicated areas and tributes are woven throughout the race, creating a poignant atmosphere that honors the memory of precious babies. As you run, walk, or cheer from the sidelines, you’ll encounter heartfelt displays that remind us of the love and strength found in our shared experiences. These tributes unite our community in celebrating lives lived while providing unwavering support for families on their healing journeys. Your involvement will help keep these memories alive and foster hope and connection for those facing their own struggles. Together, we can make this event a powerful testament to love, support, and remembrance.

💵 Registration Fees

• Combo 5K & 1 Mile: $35
• 5K: $30
• 1 Mile: $20
• Virtual Run/Walk: $40 either distance*

📝 Registration Notes

• Virtual Participation: The Virtual Run/Walk is intended for those who live out of town, are sick, and/or are unable to join live: race times are not included in live race awards.
• Late Registration: This race does not charge a late fee. Online registration ends Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at 11:59 PM. Race Day registration will be available from 7:00-7:45 AM for those who missed online registration.
• Stroller Policy: NO RACING FEE IS COLLECTED FOR CHILDREN WHO ARE PUSHED IN STROLLERS.
• Refund Policy: We have a No Refund policy so please consider your registration a donation. In inclement weather, we will hold back start times for racing: i.e. waiting for the thunder to clear out. However, we hold race day rain or shine, and we will run in the rain! *Information regarding weather affecting race day will be communicated to all race participants, via email and text.
• T-shirt Deadline: April 8, 2026.

⏰ Race Day Schedule

• 7:00 AM: Packet pickup and Race day registration opens
• 7:30 AM: Opening Ceremony & Warm Up
• 7:45 AM: Packet pickup and Race day registration closes
• 8:00 AM: 1 Mile Race Starts
• 8:30 AM: 5K Race Starts
• 10:30 AM: Awards
• 11:30 AM: Closing & Memorial Tribute Presentation

🏆 Awards

Team Awards

• Largest Team: plaque
• Best Team T-shirt Design: trophy* (submit your team shirt design by showing your race shirt to the registration table by 8:30 AM on Race Day)
• Team Fundraising Award: please see fundraising benefits page for more info.

Individual Awards: Medals

5 Kilometers Race Awards

• Overall Male & Female:
• Overall Masters (ages 40-49) Male & Female:
• Overall Grand Masters (ages 50-59) Male & Female:
• Top 3 males & top 3 females: in each of the following age groups: 7 years and younger, 8-11 years, 12-14 years, 15-19 years, 20-29 years, 30-39 years, 40-49 years, 50-59 years, and 60 years and older.

1 Mile Race Awards

• Overall Male & Female:

👕 T-shirts

Short-sleeved performance shirts are provided to registered participants. Shirts are guaranteed to those participants who registered prior to Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

Shirts may be purchased without registration for $13 through March 25, 2026. Click Store to purchase an additional shirt.

Shirts will be sold on race day, with inventory available on a first come, first serve basis.

🎉 Fundraising Teams + Individual Fundraisers

Raising additional funds for this worthy cause as a team, individual, family or business corporate team!

Create a Team: during your registration process.

🥳 Post-race Ceremony Activities

We encourage friends and family to donate, walk, or run to support angel parents as well as Holden's Hope. Even if you do not plan to physically walk or run in the race, with the purchase of a $5 wristband attendees of all ages can enjoy food, drinks and post-race activities. Wristbands can be purchased the morning of the event or online.

📱 Social Media

Help us spread the word, raise awareness and build your team by tagging us on social media. Holden's Hope has a Facebook page. Also, use the hashtag #HopeForever2026 or #HoldensHopeForever2026 so that we can see and share your pictures!

🛍️ Store Items

Purchase as a separate item here or during your registration.

Additional Race T-shirts: ($10 - $15 each) on race day, with inventory available as first come first served. You can also order additional shirts online by March 25, 2026 to guarantee the size(s) needed.

Race Tribute Signs ($25 each): We are offering the option to purchase a tribute sign in memory of angel babies. Upon completion of your purchase, you will be contacted regarding details to design your tribute sign. The deadline to order is March 15, 2026. Tribute signs are placed along the race routes. Only one tribute sign will be placed along the race route, but families are welcome to purchase more signs as they wish. Some families wish to hold or keep a sign.

📍 Race Location

The race will take place at 6150 Graywood Parkway, Lake Charles, LA. For more information and to register, visit the official race page.