5K Walk, 8K Run and Kids’ Fun Run bring the community together on September 19 to support local children and families affected by childhood cancer
Allentown, PA – September 14, 2026 – The Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley (PCFLV) will host its 17th Annual “Ready, Set, GOLD” 5K Walk, 8K Run & Kids’ Fun Run this Saturday, September 19, at the Ironton Rail Trail and Coplay Pavilion.
Presented by Heavy & Highway Construction Laborers’ Local 158, the annual event brings families, friends and community members together for a morning of fitness and fun while raising critical funds to support PCFLV’s programs and services for local families affected by childhood cancer.
Participants can choose from the 5K Walk or the 8K Run along the Ironton Rail Trail. They can also register children 12 and under for the Kids’ Fun Run, an obstacle course that circles the historic brick kilns. Virtual participation is also available. The morning will include music, food, ice cream and coffee trucks, raffles, community partners, costumed characters, and awards.
Ready, Set, GOLD is a powerful display of community support for local kids with cancer. Cancer families often create teams and wear matching shirts in honor of their warrior, while corporate and community teams coordinate their own shirts to show their support. In keeping with the annual “Be a Superhero for Kids with Cancer” theme, some participants even arrive dressed as superheroes, making for a colorful and memorable morning.
There is still time to be part of Ready, Set, GOLD! Registration remains open through race morning, giving individuals and families who have not yet signed up an opportunity to join the event. On-site registration and check-in will begin at 7 a.m. Saturday at the Coplay Pavilion (N. 2nd and Keefer Streets, Coplay, PA).
“Ready, Set, GOLD is always such a special day for our families and our entire community,” said Tracy Stauffer, PCFLV’s Fundraising Manager. “It’s an opportunity to come together, have some fun and, most importantly, show local families affected by pediatric cancer that they are surrounded by people who care.”
As PCFLV’s largest community event, Ready, Set, GOLD helps provide the financial, emotional and social support families need throughout a child’s battle with cancer. From financial assistance and grocery and gas cards to family activities, emotional support and programs for the entire family at all stages of the journey, PCFLV offers more than 25 programs and services free to registered families.
In addition to presenting sponsor Heavy & Highway Construction Laborers’ Local 158, Ready, Set, GOLD is made possible through the generous support of 33 community sponsors and partners including Ai Orthodontics, Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, TopStar, The Bennett Family, and more.
Ready, Set, GOLD 2026
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Ironton Rail Trail & Coplay Pavilion
Registration: https://runsignup.com/Race/Events/PA/Coplay/ReadySetGold
About PCFLV
The Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley (PCFLV) provides free programs and services to local children with cancer and their families throughout the pediatric cancer journey. From financial assistance and emotional support to social activities and family events, PCFLV works to ensure that no local family faces childhood cancer alone. For more information, visit PCFLV.org.
Information provided to TVL by:
Caley Bittner
