Run with Lily 5K & Kids Superhero Run

5th Annual Run with Lily 5K & Kids Superhero Run

Get ready for the biggest and most inspiring Run with Lily yet! This event has grown tremendously over the years, bringing together runners, walkers, and supporters from across the country—and beyond—to honor Lily Butler’slegacy and make a lasting impact on mental health awareness.

Lily was more than an exceptional student and gifted distance runner at Providence Grove High School—she was a light to those around her. With unwavering kindness, humility, and a heart for others, she had a way of making everyone feel seen and valued. Though we lost Lily far too soon to an eating disorder at the age of 17, her spirit lives on in this event, which fuels mental health support for those in need through The Oaks Therapeutic Community.

Let’s Make 2026 Our Biggest Year Yet!
Last year, we had participants from 10 states and even an international runner from Sweden—and this year, we're setting our sights even higher! Our goal? Runners from at least 35 states and beyond! Whether you join us in person or virtually, every step you take helps raise awareness and ensures no one has to struggle alone.

Lace Up, Team Up, Show Up!
This isn’t just a race—it’s a movement. We encourage teams from schools, workplaces, churches, and communities to train together, challenge each other, and make a difference as a united force. Let’s fill the course (and the world) with Lily’s message of kindness and hope!

The Return of the Kids Superhero Run!
Calling all little heroes! Our Kids Superhero Run is back for its second year, bringing even more energy and fun to race day. Wear your favorite superhero costume and celebrate the power of courage, kindness, and community—just as Lily would have loved.

Join Us & Be Part of Something Extraordinary!
This event isn’t just about running—it’s about hope, healing, and honoring a legacy that continues to inspire. Sign up today, spread the word, and let’s make the 5th Annual Run with Lily the most impactful one yet!

"You can be anything, be kind." – Lily Butler

Run with Lily - Awards & Prizes

Kids Superhero Run

🏅 Top 3 Male & Female – Certificate & Superhero Bling Ring
🦸‍♂️ Top Male & Female Overall – Custom Superhero Cape
5K Race

🏆 Top 3 Male & Female Overall – Trophy & Medal
🏅 Top 3 in Each Age Division – Medal
Age Divisions:
🔹 14 & Under
🔹 15-19
🔹 20-29
🔹 30-39
🔹 40-49
🔹 50-59
🔹 60-69
🔹 70+

5K Race Route:

Exit the park and turn left on E. Butler Ave.
Turn left on E. Greenbriar Rd.
Turn left on E. Luther Dr.
Turn left on Candlewood Dr.
🚰 Water Stop – Don’t forget to thank the NERMS BETA Club!

Turn left on N. Myrtle St.
Turn left on Dogwood Dr. (which becomes N. Timberlea Dr.)
Turn left on E. Brookwood Dr.
Turn right on E. Greenbriar Rd.
Turn right on E. Butler Ave.
Turn right back into the park to finish.
⚠️ Safety Reminder:
As lead runners approach the finish, walkers on E. Butler Ave. should move onto the grassy area near the road or stay close to the side of the road on E. Butler Ave. This allows runners to use the sidewalk safely. Walkers will be facing traffic, while runners stay on the sidewalk.

🎉 EARLY PACKET PICKUP 🎉

👕 Want a guaranteed race T-shirt? Register by February 10, 2026!

Get ready for race day! Swing by one of our early packet pickup locations to grab your race materials.

📍 Providence Grove High School
📅 Wednesday, March 11, 2026
⏰ 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM (During Lunch)
📍 5555 Mack Lineberry Rd, Climax, NC 27233

📍 Liberty Elementary School (Gym)
📅 Thursday, March 12, 2026
⏰ 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
📍 206 N Fayetteville St, Liberty, NC 27298

📍 Oaks Center for Counseling and Wellness
📅 Friday, March 13, 2026
⏰ 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 4558 Pleasant Garden Rd, Greensboro, NC 27406

🚨 IMPORTANT: NO registration at early packet pickup. Race day registration ONLY – CASH ONLY.

Race Day FAQs – Run with Lily

💡 Can’t attend the race? Can I still pick up my packet?
Absolutely! You can grab your race packet and shirt at early packet pickup or on race day. However, we won’t be holding onto any unclaimed packets or shirts after the event.

🏆 What if I win an award but have to leave early?
First of all—congrats!! 🥳 Awards will not be held unless you personally arrange it with a race director before leaving.

👶 Are strollers allowed?
Yes! Everyone is welcome—bring the whole family!

🌧 What happens if the race is canceled?
If the race is canceled due to weather, emergencies, or any circumstances beyond our control, we won’t be able to offer refunds. However, race packets and shirts will be available for pickup at a designated location.

🐶 Can I run with my pet or use inline skates?
We LOVE your furry friends—dogs are welcome! 🐾 However, for safety reasons, bicycles, inline skates, and other wheeled transportation (except for wheelchairs and handcycles) are not allowed. The Race Director reserves the right to remove any participant if needed.

📝 Can I register on race day?
Yes! You can register on race day, but cash only is accepted due to unreliable service at Freedom Park. Sign up by February 10th to guarantee your race shirt!

🔎 How do I check if I’m registered?
Head to the "Race Info" tab on the registration page, then select "Track A Participant" and enter your name.

🚶‍♂️ Can I walk the race?
YES! Walkers are welcome! 👟

👕 When is the deadline to be guaranteed a race shirt?
Register by February 10th to lock in your shirt!

💦 Where are the aid stations?
There will be one water station along the route. Stay hydrated and have fun! 🚰

We can't wait to see you at the race! 🎉

Welcome to the "Run with Lily" news and media hub, your premier source for all things related to the inspiring journey of Lily. Explore our collection of engaging articles, heartwarming interviews, and captivating videos that showcase Lily's experiences.  Join us in sharing the love for movement and motivation—let's run this journey side by side!

Blog Post

Lily Butler 'touched way more lives than we were ever aware

Parking Information

Liberty Parks & Rec will assist with parking inside the park again this year. Please note: the park’s lot is small.Overflow parking will be available along Butler Ave.

🚗 Parking Details:

The entire area will be used for parking.
Volunteer attendants will be on-site to guide you.
Allow extra time to walk from the parking area down the road to Freedom Park (Start/Finish line & registration/celebration area).
Carpooling is encouraged to help with parking space.

Race Day Schedule

8:15 AM – Fellowship, music, and run-day registration/packet pickup begins
8:55 AM – Registration and packet pickup close
9:00 AM – Official welcome
9:10 AM – Kids’ Superhero Run starts
9:30 AM – 5K race starts
Awards ceremony – Begins after the race

Run with Lily Swag – More Than Just Gear, It’s a Movement!
This isn’t just swag—it’s a mental health movement! 🧡 Every piece of gear represents how we stand together to care for ourselves, our loved ones, and our community.

🎽 What’s in Store This Year?

Our notorious Run with Lily (RWL) shirts – a staple in keeping Lily’s memory alive and raising mental health awareness all year long!
Bling rings (for Kids) – because every participant deserves to shine! ✨
Superhero capes for our Kids’ Superhero Run winners – because every child deserves to feel like the hero they are! 🦸‍♂️🦸‍♀️
But RWL isn’t just a one-day event—it’s a movement that brings hope, healing, and awareness to those who need it most. By wearing your RWL shirt throughout the year, you’re sparking conversations, sharing resources, and showing the world that mental health matters.

💙 Keep the Movement Going! Share how you wear your RWL swag and keep the spirit of Lily alive! Visit theoakscommunity.org/runwithlily to see how others are spreading awareness.

🚀 We Run with Lily. We Run for Mental Health. Let’s keep moving forward—together!

Join Us for the Run with Lily Community Event in Liberty, NC!

Be part of an inspiring and unforgettable race day in Lily’s hometown of Liberty, NC! This event is more than just a race—it’s a celebration of community, a movement for mental health awareness, and a tribute to Lily’s legacy. Join us for a fun, energetic, and supportive environment as we come together to make a lasting impact.

📅 Race Day Schedule – Saturday, March 14, 2026
🎶 8:30 AM – Kickstart the morning with music, fellowship, and pre-race fun!
The energy will be high as we begin the day with great music, community camaraderie, and a lively MC to keep everyone pumped up and ready for the race ahead.

🦸‍♂️ 9:00 AM – Kids’ 1-Mile Superhero Run
Calling all young heroes! Dress up as your favorite superhero and race through our fun and safe 1-mile course.

Every child receives a special finisher’s prize and has the chance to be a real-life hero by running in support of mental health awareness!
🏃‍♀️ 9:30 AM – 5K Run/Walk

A scenic and superbly marked course through Liberty—you won’t get lost, and you’ll be cheered on every step of the way!
Whether you’re aiming for a personal best or walking to support the cause, this 5K is perfect for everyone!
MUST register by February 10, 2026, to guarantee your exclusive race T-shirt—don’t miss out on this unique opportunity!

💜 Why You’ll Love This Race:
✔️ Chip timing by Junction 311 for accurate and timely results—celebrate your achievement with precision!
✔️ Incredible volunteer support to cheer you on and ensure your experience is smooth and enjoyable.
✔️ Delicious and varied post-race food and beverages to refuel and refresh after your run.
✔️ An AMAZING photo backdrop to capture your race day memories—snap a picture and share your accomplishment!

🌍 Let’s Run with Lily and Spread Awareness Worldwide!
This isn’t just a race; it’s a global movement for mental health awareness. Whether you’re running in Liberty, NC, or participating virtually from another state or country, you’re part of something bigger. Together, we can make a real difference!

💜 Register today, claim your T-shirt (DEADLINE TO RECEIVE A T-SHIRT IS 2/10/2025), and let’s make an impact—one step at a time! 🏃‍♀️💜🏃‍♂️

📸 Don’t forget to upload your race day photos and share your journey with us at https://www.theoakscommunity.org/runwithlily.