A Movement for Survivorship. A Platform for Change.

September is Blood Cancer Awareness Month—and for Cancer Active, it’s also Not-A-Sprint Month: a powerful, month-long series of events designed to celebrate survivorship, inspire movement, and amplify the voices of those living with cancer.

Rooted in the idea that cancer is not a sprint—it’s a marathon—Not-A-Sprint Month 2025 brings people together through endurance, community, and purpose. The month includes multiple high-impact events across Western North Carolina that educate, promote, and advocate for the quality of life of cancer patients and their caregivers.

The race will be a 4.17 mile out and 4.17 mile back course (8.34 miles round trip) beginning at POPS and following the Thermal Belt Rail Trail North to Spindale, and then back to POPS. There will be one aid station at Mill Town Brewing, and one self-serve aid/H2O station in the middle of the course.

There is a measly 95 feet of elevation over the entire course and it is paved the entire way. There will be few road crossings. Volunteers will be on hand to direct runners where necessary, but runners need to be aware of their surroundings at these intersections.

The course is partially to completely shaded on about 35% of the course which should help significantly with September temperatures!

The first runners will leave the Pavilion on Park Square (POPS) at 6am. The first wave will run 12 hours from 6am to 6pm. The second wave will run 6 hours from 6:30am to 12:30pm. The third wave will run 3 hours from 7:00am to 10:00am.

We’ll have more details on the golf tournament soon!

This is more than just an event, it’s an opportunity to make a lasting difference. By participating, you act as a pivotal force for transformation, helping us create a supportive environment for cancer patients, survivors, and their families. Together, let’s celebrate Kirk’s life and accomplishments, while propelling our collective efforts towards a brighter future for patients, caretakers and the support we offer both.

Your participation and generosity will create a ripple effect of hope and healing that will resonate far beyond the event itself. Join us as we make strides towards a healthier, more compassionate world. Together, we can turn the challenges of cancer into triumphs of resilience.

Tee off with us in honor of Kirk Wilkerson, who bravely fought cancer until 2021. The funds raised have established a memorial at East Rutherford High School, keeping his legacy alive. Let’s do it again for 2025.