Event FAQs

What is included in the registration?

You will receive an event t-shirt and access to the party after the race - includes food and one complimentary adult beverage (must be 21 or older and have valid ID). There will be games and activities for the whole family too.

How can I register?

You can register online beginning January 1.

Do my team members have to register?

Their registration ensures they will receive important event notifications and updates and connects them to the community of participants and fundraisers all working toward the goal of raising funds for the Leukemia Research Foundation.

Individuals can add themselves to a team during the online registration process.

If you have questions, email Arleen Boudart.

Do you require fundraising?

Your registration fee gets us to the start line, but your fundraising gets us to the finish line. So, we encourage all participants to fundraise. Just imagine the impact – if every participant raises only $100, we could bring in an additional $100,000 to leukemia research and patient and family support programs!

Are patients, survivors, and those living with leukemia expected to fundraise?

We encourage every participant to fundraise and have an opportunity to earn fundraising recognition items for their efforts! We find that survivors, those living with leukemia, and others that have a deeply personal connection to the cause are the most powerful and passionate fundraisers.

How is the money used? Why is fundraising important?

All proceeds from the event and your fundraising efforts are donated directly to the Leukemia Research Foundation. Learn how the Leukemia Research Foundation puts your dollars to work here.

How can I fundraise?

There are multiple channels you can use to fundraise for the Leukemia Research Foundation. The fundraising toolkit provides a step-by-step guide to fundraising.

All registered participants have access to an online personal fundraising webpage with pre-written email templates to send to friends and family. Learn how to access, customize, and share your page.

Is there a deadline for fundraising?

All donations that are received on your behalf by June 6 will be credited to your fundraising total.

The fundraising deadline for the top team award (tent at event) is May 26. Information about team and individual fundraising incentives for 2026 is coming soon. 

When and how will I receive my fundraising incentive gift?

Participants are encouraged to fundraise until June 7. After the event, the top three individual fundraisers will receive an email with information about their earned gift level. Items will be shipped to the registered address in our system. 

All fundraisers must meet the $200 fundraising goal by event day to receive their water bottle onsite. 

The fundraising deadline for the top team award (tent at event) is May 20. Additional information about team and individual fundraising incentives for 2026 is coming soon.

Do I get race swag?

When you lace up for leukemia, your registration includes an official T-shirt and finisher medal in appreciation of your support.

If you have selected that you would like to be recognized as a leukemia survivor or patient, you will receive a special race t-shirt. Please indicate your sizing at the time of registration.

How will I get my swag?

You can choose to have your race packet mailed during the registration process. They will be mailed approximately the 2nd week of May and you must register prior to May 1, 2026 for this service.

Your race packets can be picked up before the event during our packet pick-up day. Packet pick-up will take place on Thursday, May 28 at the Fleet Feet store in Old Town. More information will be posted on this page and shared with registrants once finalized.

Are their medals for the top finishers?

An awards ceremony will be held after the event. Medals will be given to the overall top three male and female runners, and the top three male and female runners in each age category. The overall top three male and female finishers will receive a merchandise gift certificate to Fleet Feet for $100, $50 and $25.

All Kid's Dash participants will receive a special finishers medal.

Are there incentives for the top fundraisers?

Yes! Your fundraising makes the Leukemia Research Foundation’s mission possible! To thank you for your support, we offer various fundraising incentives. 

About the event

Lace Up for Leukemia from wherever you are, and join more than a thousand other people participating in the 32nd Annual ABC7 Gibbons Run. Walk or run to help to help raise funds in search of a cure for leukemia.

All proceeds from the event benefit the Leukemia Research Foundation, the nation’s largest nonprofit focused exclusively on funding leukemia research and supporting leukemia patients and their loved ones.

Virtual participants

By participating virtually, you will receive a Virtual Race Kit (bib, shirt and medal), which will be mailed to you. If you register by May 1, 2026, you will receive your packet before the race. All participants registering after May 1, 2026 will receive their packet after race day.

Share with your friends!

Once you are registered, share your participation on social media and use one of our even hashtags:

• #LaceUp4Leukemia
• #togetheritispossible

Throughout the campaign, post pictures of yourself training, running, walking, or fundraising!

Be sure to tag us:

• Facebook: #gibbonsRun
• Instagram: @Gibbons5K

For more information on sharing, and to see sample posts, see the Fundraising toolkit.

Patients and survivors

Leukemia patients and survivors may participate free of charge. To do so, send an email to arleen@leukemiarf.org to receive a coupon code that can be applied during the online registration process.