7th Annual Hope Forever 5K & 1 Mile Race

If you enjoy a good run for a great cause, sign up for the 7th Annual Holden's Hope Forever Race! All proceeds benefit families in Southwest Louisiana as well as Louisiana NICU units. Holden's Hope is a local SWLA 501c3 organization. The mission of Holden's Hope is to support families of infants who have long medical stays in the NICU and families who are coping with miscarriages, stillbirths or the loss of an infant in SWLA.

The Hope Forever 5K Race is a special day for families who have experienced infant loss, miscarriage or stillbirth. It's also a special day for our community to come together and show support for our race participants well as families served through the mission's work. Dedicated areas and tributes are woven into this race, to honor the memory of precious babies who have gone before us.

All are welcome! Forming a team is offered to any individual, family or business. So, tie up your laces and gather up your friends to race with us! Your efforts will provide financial and emotional support for all grieving families who are enduring their most difficult days. 

Registration Deadline (for Race T-Shirt Guarantee): March 31, 2024

Location: Graywood Neighborhood,

                  3860 Gray Market Dr.

                  Lake Charles, LA  70605

Race Bag + Race Shirt Pickup: On-site race day morning 

Race Day Schedule: 

7:00-8:00 - On-Site Registration Available + Race Bag Pick Up for all participants

7:30-7:50 - Opening Ceremony + Warm Up

8:00 - 8:30 - 1 Mile Race Starts

8:30 -10:00 - 5K Race Starts

10:30 - 11:30 - Awards 

11:30 Closing + Memorial Tribute Presentation

Fundraising Teams + Individual Fundraisers 

Raising additional funds for this worthy cause as a team, individual, family or business corporate team!

Create a Team: during your registration process 

Post-race Ceremony Activities: We encourage friends and family to donate, walk, or run to support angel parents as well as Holden's Hope. Even if you do not plan to physically walk or run in the race, with the purchase of a $5 wristband attendees of all ages can enjoy food, drinks and post-race activities. Wristbands can be purchased the morning of the event or online. 

Social Media: Help us spread the word, raise awareness and build your team by tagging us on social media. Holden's Hope has a Facebook page. Also, use the hashtag #HopeForever2024 or #HoldensHopeForever2024 so that we can see and share your pictures!

Store Items:  Purchase as a separate item here or during your registration

Additional Race T-shirts: ($12 each) on race day, with inventory available as first come first served. You can also order additional shirts online by 3/31/24 to guarantee the size(s) needed.

Race Tribute Signs ($20 each)
We are offering the option to purchase a tribute sign in memory of angel babies. Upon completion of your purchase, you will be contacted regarding details to design your tribute sign. The deadline to order is March 15, 2024.

Tribute signs are placed along the race routes. Only one tribute sign will be placed along the race route, but families are welcome to purchase more signs as they wish. Some families wish to hold or keep a sign.

Registration Fees (Early & Late Fees & dates):

*March 31, 2024 is the deadline to be guaranteed a race participant t-shirt, which is included in your registration. This race does not charge a late fee. Online registration ends on April 16th and any others who wish to sign up missing online registration can register onsite race day morning. 

REGISTRATION FEES:

$20 1 Mile

$30 5K

$35 Combo 5K + 1 Mile 

$40 for Virtual Runners - out of town, sick and/or not able to join live; race times are not included in live race awards 

NO RACING FEE IS COLLECTED FOR CHILDREN WHO ARE PUSHED IN STROLLERS   

*We have a No Refund policy so please consider your registration a donation. In inclement weather, we will hold back start times for racing; i.e. waiting for the thunder to clear out. However, we hold race day rain or shine, and we will run in the rain! *Information regarding weather affecting race day will be communicated to all race participants, via email and text. 

AWARDS: 

Largest Team - plaque 

Best T-shirt design - trophy

(submit your team shirt design by showing your race shirt to the registration table by 8:30am on Race Day)

Team Fundraising Award - please see fundraising benefits page for more info.

Medals:

Top Female & Top Male - 1 Mile participants 

1st/2nd/3rd place for 5K participants by gender: (Overall, Overall Master ages 40-49, Overall Grand Master ages 50 & over, Ages 7 & under, Ages 8 -11, Ages 12-14, Ages 15-19, Ages 20-29, Ages 30-39, Ages 40-49, Ages 50-59, Ages 60 & over)