Heels 4 Hope 5K Exceeds Fundraising expectations

Before the crowds hit Franklin Street for Halloween night, hundreds lined Stadium Drive on Saturday morning to race in support of cancer research.

Heels 4 Hope, a nonprofit organization devoted to raising money for research and individuals with disabilities, held its first 5K Challenge to raise money for the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Arc of Orange County and Push America.

The race, which was organized by junior Blake Zanardi, started at the Bell Tower and ended at Granville Towers, where runners were greeted with a post-race celebration featuring performances by a cappella groups such as the Clef Hangers and the Loreleis.

Zanardi, a member of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, organized the race in memory of his piano teacher, Geraldine Bjork, who lost her battle with breast cancer in January.

“Blake had a real emotional connection with the race,” said Tamara Baker, a public relations staff member for Hatch Communications, which was a sponsor of the race.

Zanardi said nearly 750 runners participated, and that the weekend’s events raised about $15,000.

He added the fundraising from the events far exceeded the goal of raising between $2,000 and $3,000 for each beneficiary.

“This is the first big event I’ve tried to plan,” Zanardi said.

In addition to the race, Heels 4 Hope sponsored other fundraising events, including the Pink Out with Heels 4 Hope dance party Thursday and a benefit concert at Granville Towers on Friday night, featuring performances by Catie King and Old Avenue.

“We wanted to do more than just a 5K,” Zanardi said.

Runners paid a registration fee to enter the race. Additional donations were also accepted online and at the race.

In the spirit of Halloween, some raced in costume — there were Ninja Turtles, lobsters and even a few cross-dressers.

Reese Wells, a freshman environmental science major, dressed up as Thing 1 and 2 from the Dr. Seuss stories.

“I run club cross country, so it’s always fun to run,” Wells said.

Tricia Soriano and Clayton Oxford, residents of Durham, dressed as alligators and ran the race because they are training to run a half-marathon.

“We’ve been living in Florida, and we came up from the Everglades to cool down,” Oxford said, referring to his choice of costume.

Zanardi said he plans to continue the 5K in the future.

“Next year is going to be even bigger and better.”


Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.