Prayers for Kayleigh Foundation 5K goes virtual 

By Kaliga Rice 

For the Enquirer 

The fourth annual Prayers for Kayleigh Foundation 5K and Fun Run is going virtual.  

The annual event began online May 18 and will continue through June 1. According to information provided by the PFK Foundation, going virtual will allow expanded participation as well as help adhere to social distancing recommendations.  

In order to virtually compete in the event, a runner can complete the race any time before the June 1 deadline and submit his or her time to the PFK Foundation. Participants also have the option of dividing the distance into sections and submitting multiple times for the race, and they are free to choose the course on which they want to run.  

Registration for the 5K ranges from $15–45 per runner. These fees include prizes and items such as a commemorative race bib, a completion certificate, a 5K completion medal and a commemorative race shirt. 

The annual event celebrates the birthday of Kayleigh McClendon, who fought Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIGP) – a terminal brain cancer that affects about 300-500 children between the ages of 6 to 10 – and died six months after her diagnosis.  

According to the Foundation, pediatric cancers such as DIGP receive less than 4 percent of federal cancer funding. The 5K helps bring awareness to pediatric cancer – and organizers said they hope this year’s race will increase that awareness even more, as the virtual aspect of the event does not limit competitors to racing at just one location.  

The PFK Foundation encourages all people to participate in the race, experienced runners and first-time competitors alike. To register, go to www.thePFKFoundation.org.