The CARA RUN For Their Lives! starts at 7:30 AM on August 22, 2026, in Sanford, North Carolina at Kiwanis Park, giving traveling runners a reasonable morning window to arrive. The event offers both 10K and 5K distances, so you can choose based on your fitness level and schedule. Entry fees range from $10 to $55 depending on registration timing and options. If your travel plans are uncertain, the race also provides a virtual participation option, allowing you to complete your chosen distance on your own time. This flexibility makes it easier to commit to supporting the event's cause without worrying about logistics on race day.
From the Race Organizer
Join us for our 18th Year !!! as we RUN For Their Lives! on Saturday August 22, 2026 In-Person Option OR Virtual/ SLEEP Option! Run for Their Lives! has become one of CARA's biggest fundraisers to keep our shelter in operation. Carolina Animal Rescue and Adoption is a no-kill, non-profit Animal Shelter in Sanford, NC. In operation since 2004, dedicated volunteers and animal advocates took over the rescue from the San-Lee Humane Society. Since that time, CARA has been growing and helping more and more unwanted, stray, abandoned dogs and cats find their FURRR ever homes! Since CARA does not receive any public funding or assistance, every penny raised goes right to the care and well being of the animals! We're fueled completely by these events and the generosity of our supporters! CARA helped to find homes for over 350 animals in 2025!! RUN/Walk /Jog/ our beautiful (maaaaybe a few hills!) 5k or 10k through Historic Sanford and our Greenway on Saturday August 22nd. We will again offer our "Challenge " and you can RUN BOTH courses! ( Special Medal for Challenge Finishers! PLUS award for top Male &Female ) Overall Winners (1st, 2nd, 3rd) and Age Groups awarded for 5k and 10k or run VIRTUALLY ! Run the CARA course at your own time/schedule (course maps on this site) OR find your own 5k/10k course to RUN ! * KIDS (12 and under) FUN RUN! 1/2 Mile begins at 8:30am $20 w/ t-shirt, $10 no shirt Leashed Dogs and Strollers are Welcome!!! **You are welcome to walk the 5k! A brisk walk pace or walk/run for the 10k is encouraged (keeping an overall 14 min/mile pace is fine)! OR if Running is not your cup of tea, and you would like to support CARA and get a great race t-shirt, enjoy the comfort of your bed and SLEEP for Their Lives! (your T-shirt will be mailed to you! ) Whichever option you choose, you will know that you are helping to provide better lives for the many unwanted animals here in Central North Carolina. The 5k Run/Walk will begin at Kiwanis Park at 7:30am, The 10k will begin at 8:15am (For those running the "Challenge" and are running both courses, you would start at 7:30 with the 5k group, come back and wait until 8:15am to start with the 10k group). Your registration for the 5k or 10k will also include the option to add a T-shirt for an additional $5 (No additional charge for Virtual/Sleep and Challenge Registrants!) ***Register by August 1st to Guarantee your T-Shirt Size! *** ***There will be no advance Packet/ BIB Pick UP*** All BIB Pick ups and New Registrations will begin Saturday morning at 6:30am! ***10k Participants can pick up their BIB anytime from 6:30am- 8:10am Thank you for your ongoing support of Carolina Animal Rescue & Adoption ; Where Pets become family!! 5k Course Map can be found here: 5k Course Map 10k Course Map can be found here: 10k Course Map
Hotels Near This Race
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for August 22.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Sanford, NC.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is CARA RUN For Their Lives! 2026 2026 — Sanford, NC?
CARA RUN For Their Lives! 2026 2026 — Sanford, NC takes place on August 22, 2026. The race is held in Sanford, North Carolina.
Where is CARA RUN For Their Lives! 2026 2026 — Sanford, NC held?
CARA RUN For Their Lives! 2026 2026 — Sanford, NC is held at Kiwanis Park Sanford in Sanford, North Carolina.
Where can I find hotels near CARA RUN For Their Lives! 2026 2026 — Sanford, NC?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Sanford. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
