Rock The GazBar 5k Fun Run/Walk 2026 — Leominster, MA

Preorder your Hope Through Haddie 5k Gear here! https://www.patriotpromo.com/sr/4620705 REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! This year's event will benefit DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma) research at Boston Children's Hospital. Our community recently lost 7-year-old Haddie Boucher after her courageous battle with DIPG. Haddie touched countless lives with her infectious smile, strength, and determination. While her loss is heartbreaking, her impact on our community will never be forgotten. Her legacy lives on. Her strength, joy, and beautiful spirit continues to inspire us all. Through your support, we honor her memory and help create hope for families facing DIPG. Last year, with the support of our incredible runners, sponsors, and community, Rock the GazBar raised more than $50,000. This year, we're hoping to make an even bigger impact in Haddie's honor. Local runner Melissa "Missy" Hendry is currently working toward completing the prestigious Abbott World Marathon Majors while raising funds for Boston Children's Hospital through the Miles for Miracles marathon team. With the support of The GazBar Sports Grill, all proceeds from the 2026 Rock the GazBar 5K will directly support DIPG research at Boston Children's Hospital. Race Day Details • Day-of registration available onsite from 9:00 AM–10:00 AM • Cash or check only (ATM available onsite) • Race begins promptly at 10:30 AM What's Included? Free event swag for racers Food included with registration Cash prizes for top male & female finishers Special prize for the Largest Team Raffles, music, giveaways & more Family-Friendly Fun • Children under 10 are FREE with a registered adult • Sorry, no dogs allowed Come run, walk, celebrate, and help us Rock the GazBar while honoring Haddie's memory and supporting the fight against DIPG. Together, we can make a difference for children and families facing this devastating disease. Questions? Email rockthegazbar5k@gmail.com MISSY'S STORY Since 2022, I've been proud to run as part of the Miles for Miracles Marathon Team at Boston Children's Hospital- not just to chase finish lines, but to change lives. What started as a personal challenge quickly became a mission. To date, I've raised more than $180,000 and I'm just getting started. My goal now is bold and deeply personal: to raise $1 million in support of lifesaving care, groundbreaking research, and critical family resources while completing the Abbott World Marathon Majors. So far, I've completed Boston, New York, and London, with Berlin on the horizon in 2026 and Tokyo and Chicago hopefully to follow in 2027. Along the way, I've been inspired by three incredible patient partners whose stories continue to fuel every mile I run: Olivia, Jenna, and Natalia. Their courage, resilience, and impact remain at the heart of this journey and always will. In May 2026, my community was forever changed by the loss of 7-year-old Haddie Boucher after her courageous battle with DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma). In her honor, the 2026 Rock the GazBar 5K will place a special focus on raising awareness for DIPG and supporting the critical research needed to find better treatments and, ultimately, a cure. Her legacy lives on. Her strength, joy, and beautiful spirit continues to inspire us all. Through your support, we honor her memory and help create hope for families facing DIPG. While Haddie's story has become a powerful inspiration for this year's event, Olivia, Jenna, and Natalia continue to remain with me on every step of this journey. We run for the children and families currently facing unimaginable challenges, for those we have lost, and for a future where more children have the chance to grow, thrive, and live healthy lives. All funds raised through the 2026 Rock the GazBar 5K will go directly toward DIPG research at Boston Children's Hospital.