My Breast Friends 5k is back!

Mar 30

A group photo from the 2025 MBF5K fundraiser in Eugene, Oregon

Here are some tips on how to prepare for the annual FUN-raising event!

Whether you're racing, walking, or cheering from the sidelines, we’ve got tips to make the day amazing!

A 5K fundraiser is so much more than a race. It is a community coming together — runners and walkers, supporters and survivors, neighbors and strangers — united by a shared commitment to something bigger than any finish line. The Oregon Cancer Foundation's 5K is one of Lane County's most meaningful opportunities to show up for cancer patients and their families, and the best part? There is a place for absolutely everyone.

Whether you are a seasoned runner chasing a personal record, someone who has never run a day in your life but wants to try, or a dedicated supporter who would rather cheer than lace up — here is how to make the most of race day.

For the Experienced Runner: Make This Race Mean More

If running is already part of your routine, you have a unique opportunity to channel your training into something truly purposeful. Here is how to bring your best to the OCF 5K…

Dedicate your miles. Consider running in honor of someone affected by cancer — a loved one, a patient, or a survivor in your community. Many runners find that dedicating their race to someone gives each mile a deeper sense of purpose and motivation.

Amplify your impact through individual fundraising. Your fitness is an asset — use it to inspire others to give. Set up a personal fundraising page through OCF and share it with friends, family, and colleagues. Experienced runners often have followers who admire their commitment; give those followers a way to support your run and the cause behind it.

Show up early and stay late. A fundraiser 5K is as much about community as competition. Take time before and after the race to connect with fellow participants, meet OCF staff, and hear the stories of patients and survivors your participation is directly supporting.

*Our 2025 first place runner for My Breast Friends 5k*

For the First-Time Runner: You Are More Ready Than You Think

Have you always wanted to run a 5K but never quite found the right reason to start? This is it. A fundraiser 5K is one of the most welcoming race environments you will ever find. And crossing that finish line for the first time, for a cause this meaningful, is something you will never forget.

*Runners of all ages and experience levels are invited to participate in the 2026 My Breast Friends’ 5K at Alton Baker Park*

Start a simple training plan. You do not need to be fast — you just need to be consistent. A beginner-friendly program like Couch to 5K (C25K) is a free, widely available plan that can have almost anyone ready to complete a 5K in about eight weeks. It alternates walking and running intervals, gradually building your endurance at a pace that feels manageable and sustainable.

Walk when you need to…and feel proud doing it. There is no rule that says you must run the entire distance. Many 5K participants mix running and walking, and every single one of them crosses the same finish line. What matters is that you showed up.

Find a buddy. Invite a friend, family member, or coworker to train and run with you. Having someone beside you on race day (and during training) makes the whole experience more enjoyable and keeps you accountable. Plus, two participants means twice the impact for OCF and the patients it serves.

**For the Supporter: Your Presence Is Just as Powerful**

Not everyone needs to run to make race day a success — and not wanting to run does not mean you cannot be a vital part of this event. In fact, supporters are what make a fundraiser 5K truly come alive.

Cheer loudly and often! A familiar face and an encouraging word at mile two can mean the world to a runner — especially a first-timer. Bring a handmade sign, bring noise makers, bring your biggest smile. Your energy fuels the entire field.

Donate and help others fundraise. Every dollar raised through the OCF 5K goes directly toward supporting Lane County cancer patients with financial assistance, transportation, emotional support, and survivorship programs. If you cannot attend in person, consider making a donation to a participant's fundraising page or sharing the event on social media to help spread the word.

Volunteer. Behind every great race is a dedicated volunteer crew. From registration tables to water stations to finish line support, there are meaningful ways to contribute your time and energy that do not require running a single step. Reach out to OCF to learn about volunteer opportunities for race day. Click here to learn how you can volunteer on race day! →