18th Annual Race For Grace

 

The Reflections Of Grace Foundation will host the 18th Annual Race For Grace, presented by C. Harper Auto Group, on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Norwin High School in North Huntingdon. One of the region’s longest-running charity races, the event has raised more than $2.11 million to support families facing pediatric brain cancer and to fund critical research. This year’s fundraising goal is $185,000.

The Race For Grace honors the life of Grace Ekis, who was just five years old when she battled Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), a rare and terminal form of childhood brain cancer, in 2008. What began as a small community effort has grown into a major annual event drawing families, runners, and supporters from across Western Pennsylvania.

“Every year, Race For Grace reminds us how powerful a community can be when it gathers united for a cause bigger than itself,” said Tamara Ekis, President of the Reflections Of Grace Foundation and Grace’s mother. “The support behind Race For Grace directly helps families who are traveling an incredibly difficult road and fuels critical research that is giving us hope for better treatments and, one day, a cure.”

Race For Grace is the Foundation’s largest fundraiser. Through this event and year-round fundraising efforts, the Reflections Of Grace Foundation has provided $920,000 in direct financial assistance to 630 families of children battling brain cancer nationwide. The Foundation has also awarded $915,000 in research grants through the DIPG/DMG Collaborative to advance innovative pediatric brain cancer research worldwide.

WTAE-TV News anchor Mike Clark will return as Master of Ceremonies. Event activities, race registration, and food concessions begin at 7:00 a.m., with the race starting at 9:00 a.m. Following the race, families can enjoy a variety of indoor activities, including games, dance performances, a basket raffle, silent auction, and charitable hair donations. The event will conclude around 1:00 p.m.

Participants can register for a 5K run, 5K walk, or fun walk. Options are also available for general participants who do not wish to walk or run, as well as virtual participants unable to attend in person.

Registration fees:

Prior to February 28, 2026 (Early Bird)
Adults: $25
Children (12 and under): $20

The Reflections Of Grace Foundation will host the 18th Annual Race For Grace, presented by C. Harper Auto Group, on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Norwin High School in North Huntingdon. One of the region’s longest-running charity races, the event has raised more than $2.11 million to support families facing pediatric brain cancer and to fund critical research. This year’s fundraising goal is $185,000.

The Race For Grace honors the life of Grace Ekis, who was just five years old when she battled Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), a rare and terminal form of childhood brain cancer, in 2008. What began as a small community effort has grown into a major annual event drawing families, runners, and supporters from across Western Pennsylvania.

“Every year, Race For Grace reminds us how powerful a community can be when it gathers united for a cause bigger than itself,” said Tamara Ekis, President of the Reflections Of Grace Foundation and Grace’s mother. “The support behind Race For Grace directly helps families who are traveling an incredibly difficult road and fuels critical research that is giving us hope for better treatments and, one day, a cure.”

Race For Grace is the Foundation’s largest fundraiser. Through this event and year-round fundraising efforts, the Reflections Of Grace Foundation has provided $920,000 in direct financial assistance to 630 families of children battling brain cancer nationwide. The Foundation has also awarded $915,000 in research grants through the DIPG/DMG Collaborative to advance innovative pediatric brain cancer research worldwide.

WTAE-TV News anchor Mike Clark will return as Master of Ceremonies. Event activities, race registration, and food concessions begin at 7:00 a.m., with the race starting at 9:00 a.m. Following the race, families can enjoy a variety of indoor activities, including games, dance performances, a basket raffle, silent auction, and charitable hair donations. The event will conclude around 1:00 p.m.

Participants can register for a 5K run, 5K walk, or fun walk. Options are also available for general participants who do not wish to walk or run, as well as virtual participants unable to attend in person.

Registration fees:

Prior to February 28, 2026 (Early Bird)

Adults: $25

Children (12 and under): $20

Beginning February 28, 2026

Adults: $30

Children (12 and under): $25

Beginning March 24, 2026 and Race Day

Adults: $35

Children (12 and under): $30

To register or learn more about the Race For Grace, visit www.reflectionsofgrace.org. Updates and event information can also be found on Facebook at facebook.com/reflectionsofgrace and on X and Instagram @ReflectsOfGrace.

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About The Reflections Of Grace Foundation

The Reflections Of Grace Foundation was created in memory of Grace Elizabeth Ekis who was just five years old when she fought a courageous 13-month battle with a rare cancerous brain tumor called diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG). DIPG is a tumor of the brainstem for which there is no known cure and there have been no significant advances in treatment options for more than 40 years. Grace journeyed to Heaven on Valentine’s Day 2008.

Co-founders Brian and Tamara Ekis decided to channel the grief of their daughter’s passing by establishing an organization devoted to making a difference. The organization’s name signifies the effect that Grace had on the lives of those she touched over the course of her short life.

As its mission, the Reflections Of Grace Foundation is dedicated to:

Providing financial, emotional, and educational support for children and their families affected by pediatric brain cancer.

Raising awareness of all types of pediatric brain tumors, with a particular focus on DIPGs or Brainstem Gliomas.

Joining with other like-minded organizations in funding the search for a cure for all pediatric brain cancers.