The 17th annual Cleft Palate Gallop 5K Run/Walk is scheduled for Sunday, September 27th, 2026 at 7:30 AM. All profits benefit the UNC Craniofacial Center. Thanks so much for your participation! WHERE: The race start location is the Old Well on the UNC-Chapel Hill campus. An approximate address is: 180 E. Cameron Ave., Chapel Hill, NC 27514. DISTANCES: 5K Run and 1.2 Mile Family Fun Walk Dental students at the Adams School of Dentistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill will host the 17th Annual Cleft Palate Gallop on Sunday, September 27th, 2026. Magical Moments, a student-led organization, was founded for the purpose of providing support for patients of the Craniofacial Center. All proceeds raised will go directly to the UNC Craniofacial Center to ensure access to comprehensive, specialized treatment for pediatric patients affected by craniofacial conditions. You can register for the 5K, Family Fun Walk, or make additional donations by going to carolinacleftpalategallop.com . Both the 5K and the Fun Walk cost $25; register early to ensure you get your guaranteed shirt size. In-person registration is available on race day beginning at 7:00 a.m., and will cost an additional five dollars. Running in the race will impact your life for a day, but will change the life of a child forever! PACKET PICKUP: Fleet Feet Carrboro to grab you T-Shirt and Bib on Friday, September 25th, 4 - 6:15 PM. Fleet Feet is a proud supporter of local races and seeks to build our running community through events like The Cleft Palate Gallop. Unfamiliar with Fleet Feet? What makes us unique is our people and process - our 3D foot scanning technology, fit id, measures the unique shape of your feet to make sure you're outfitted in the right gear, and we carry shoes from industry-leading running brands like Brooks, New Balance, Nike and HOKA ONE ONE. Training programs through Fleet Feet Running Club give you access to expert running advice for any distance or surface and a community dedicated to the same thing you are. Participants of the race will receive 10% off of their in-store purchases the weekend of the event (Carrboro Location only). AWARDS: Awards will be given to the overall first, second, and third place male and female runners as well as the top male and female runners in each age group: 15 and under, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+. For more information, visit our website at http://www.carolinacleftpalategallop.com
Course & Travel Notes
The Cleft Palate Gallop 5K and Fun Walk takes place at 495 feet elevation, which is relatively low and shouldn't require significant pacing adjustments for most runners. The race begins at 7:30 AM, just 22 minutes after sunrise at 7:08 AM, so conditions will be transitioning from dawn to morning light. Chapel Hill in late September typically sees highs around 82°F and lows near 62°F, with about a 30% chance of measurable rain on any given day. Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is the nearest option, located 15.2 miles from the venue.
⛰️ 495 ft elevation☀️ Typically 82°F / 62°F · 30% chance of rain✈️ Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) — 15.2 mi
Hotels Near This Race
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Cleft Palate Gallop 5K and Fun Walk 2026 — Chapel Hill, NC
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for September 27.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Chapel Hill, 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 Cleft Palate Gallop 5K and Fun Walk 2026 — Chapel Hill, NC?
Cleft Palate Gallop 5K and Fun Walk 2026 — Chapel Hill, NC takes place on September 27, 2026. The race is held in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Where is Cleft Palate Gallop 5K and Fun Walk 2026 — Chapel Hill, NC held?
Cleft Palate Gallop 5K and Fun Walk 2026 — Chapel Hill, NC is held at Old Well on UNC Chapel Hill Campus in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
Where can I find hotels near Cleft Palate Gallop 5K and Fun Walk 2026 — Chapel Hill, NC?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Chapel Hill. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
