The Virginia Gay Hospital Health Care Foundation invites the community to lace up their running shoes and join the 2026 Party in Pink 5K/10K – Brave, Strong, Beautiful on Friday, July 17, 2026, in downtown Vinton. The annual event raises awareness for breast cancer while supporting local individuals through the Foundation's Gifts of Hope Fund.

The race will begin on the east side of the Benton County Courthouse, with a children's race kicking off the evening at 7 p.m. The 5K and 10K races will start at 7:15 p.m., following a new course through the community. An awards ceremony will be held at approximately 8:45 p.m. in front of the courthouse, where medals will be presented to first-, second-, and third-place finishers in each age and gender division.

Children ages 8 and younger are encouraged to participate in the courthouse loop children's race for a registration fee of $5 per child. All young participants will receive a commemorative medal.

Participants who register by July 3, 2026, are guaranteed an event T-shirt.

A special Survivors Party and Participant Packet Pick-Up will take place on Thursday, July 16, from 4–7 p.m., at Red Cedar Wine Bar at The Niche, 115 W. 4th Street in Vinton. The event celebrates local breast cancer survivors and provides race participants an opportunity to pick up their T-shirts and race bibs while enjoying charcuterie boards and a complimentary glass of wine, while supplies last.

In addition to promoting health and wellness through the Party in Pink event, organizers are also encouraging the community to support local families through a special Community Food Drive.

Starting July 13 through July 18, 2026, the Community Food Drive will be coming to Vinton. The initiative aims to alleviate some of the stress placed on food-insecure households while children are home for the summer months. Local Vinton businesses and organizations will partner throughout the week to collect nonperishable food items for area residents in need.

All food donations collected during the drive will benefit two local food pantries: the Vinton Food Pantry, located at 811 D Avenue, and the Wesley United Methodist Church Food Pantry, located at 516 2nd Avenue in Vinton.

"Every step taken during Party in Pink helps provide hope and access to care for someone in our community," said Robin Martin, Foundation Director for the Virginia Gay Hospital Health Care Foundation. "By combining efforts to support both healthcare needs and food security, we can make an even greater impact on the lives of local families."

Proceeds from the Party in Pink 5K/10K benefit the Foundation's Gifts of Hope Fund, which provides financial assistance for mammograms, diagnostic services, clinic visits, co-pays, pelvic exams, and Pap tests for individuals facing financial hardship.

Whether running, walking, donating food, volunteering, or cheering from the sidelines, community members are invited to be part of a week dedicated to celebrating survivors, honoring loved ones, supporting local healthcare initiatives, and helping neighbors in need.

For registration information or to sign up for the virtual race, visit the Virginia Gay Hospital Health Care Foundation website, contact the Foundation office or click HERE

Be brave. Be strong. Be beautiful. Join the Party in Pink and help make a difference, one step, one donation, and one act of kindness at a time.

PDF not working? Click the 3 dots and choose Download This File 🠟