Starry Night Knoxville

Join us for the third annual 8.5k race at Ijams Nature Center. This family-friendly race along Will Skelton greenway is 28,000 steps for the 28,000 children living with a brain tumor. This year, we have added a 5k race and the fun run is 1 mile. Join us in raising money and awareness for pediatric brain tumor patients by supporting the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation and the PLGA Foundation. Pediatric brain cancer is the number one killer of all childhood cancers. We need funding for research and safer treatments because we must fight for our warriors.

Our son, Brody, was diagnosed at age 8 with juvenile pilocytic astrocytoma. We have been so blessed with the outcome of his surgery at East Tennessee Children's Hospital and his health since March 31, 2015 but we are living with this unknown long-term prognosis. Many families are not so fortunate or living with uncertainties and health complications. We want to give back and bring together children and families in East Tennessee with this race, fun run, and festival which concludes with the lighting of lanterns for children living with brain tumors. 

All 'STAR' families are encouraged to attend. Brain tumor survivors will be recognized at 3:45. Please email race coordinator, Sarah Hamilton, to confirm your attendence so that we will have enough t-shirts and medals to honor these special kids. ([email protected]) 

There will be $$ awards for top 5 male and female finishers in the 8.5k. The top 3 male and female will be awarded $$ for the 5k race as this is a chipped (timed) race! If you are a 8.5 or 5k runner and wish to be timed, please pick up your chip when you arrive (close to registration table). Must be present to win. Awards around 5:15. All kids get a finsher ribbon!

 ( *Note: Around 1 mile of the 8.5 k race will be on a flat gravel road, 'River Boardwalk', at Ijams. Most of the 8.5k is along the paved Will Skelton greenway.) The 5k is paved along the Will Skelton greenway, as well as the 1-mile fun run.

Food and beverages are available for purchase at the event, as well as Starry Night hats and t-shirts while they last. Donations are accepted and can be paid in cash, checks, or credit card.  School of Rock will be rockin' out starting around 3:15! This is a dog and family-friendly event, with options to further your fun with the Navitat adventure course and lots of hiking options too! Oh, and there are real bathrooms!

Packet pick-up is on Friday, Nov. 3rd from 4-6 p.m. at the New Balance of Knoxville store located in: Suburban Plaza
Address: 8027-F Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919 . Race-day pick-up starts at 2 p.m. at Ijams Nature Center. And, we do accept new registration on race-day! (paid in cash, check, or credit card)