Run Brave 5K 2026 — Charlottesville, VA

Since 2009, what began as the Splash 5K has been the Ishan Gala Foundation's signature annual fundraiser — bringing together families, businesses, and community members in support of children and families battling cancer. Originally held as a pool party at ACAC Waterpark in honor of Ishan Gala's birthday, the event evolved over the years to meet a growing community of supporters. In 2015, the event expanded to include a 5K run/walk, which quickly grew into the centerpiece of the celebration. As the event continued to evolve, so did its identity. This year, we are proud to introduce the newly rebranded Run Brave 5K — a name that better reflects the courage, resilience, and strength of the children and families at the heart of our mission. Held on a scenic paved course at Darden Towe Park, Run Brave 5K offers an inspiring, family-friendly experience for participants of all ages. The morning will also feature a Kids Dash before the race, prizes for top finishers, sponsor booths, games, and activities — all designed to bring our community together. Run Brave 5K is more than a race; it is a celebration of hope, courage, and community support for families facing pediatric cancer. About IGF: IGF was founded by Mayank and Sejal Gala after the loss of their 2 year old son, Ishan, to neuroblastoma in 2008. They witnessed the many hardships families faced and the lack of research for treatment for Neuroblastoma. They began by providing vital research grants to support clinical trials focused on finding less toxic treatments and helping families with financial burdens. In 2015, IGF began to switch its focus on strictly supporting families financially and emotionally in Virginia then expanding nationally. The Ishan Gala Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit with a mission to be present in lives of children fighting cancer and their families to improve their quality of life during and after treatment. IGF fulfills its mission through various programs focused on easing financial stress, celebrating milestones in their lives, comforting during the bad days, and bringing moments of joy and fun into their lives during this extremely long, tough journey. We also help families during the holiday's through our Holiday Cheer Program by fulfilling wishlists, providing wrapping supplies, grocery gift cards and a holiday party exclusively for families. From something as simple as delivering a smile to taking care of a month of bills …we are there for our families. For more information please visit www.ishangala.org