Sole Burner 5K Walk-Run

Join the fight against cancer, as the Fox Valley community rallies together to honor, celebrate and remember loved ones and take action for lifesaving change. 

For 42 years, thousands of Sole Burner participants and volunteers have come together and raised over $7.2 million to save lives from cancer. This year our goal is to raise $200,000! Money raised from the Sole Burner help fund local programs and services and fund critical cancer research. The Sole Burner 5K Walk/Run continues to be more than just an event - it's a movement, a community of like-minded survivors, caregivers, volunteers and running enthusiasts who believe that the future can be free from the pain and suffering caused by cancer.

This safe, family friendly event includes a 5K Run, 5K Walk, Kids Fun Run and Virtual 5K. 

• All registered RUNNERS will be chip timed
• Recorded time will not start until you pass over the Start mats
• The first person to cross the finish line will be awarded winner of the race, there after all other results are based on chip time.
• Overall male and female winners are based on GUN time, age group and official results are based on CHIP time. 
• Medallions will be given to the top three men and women in each age division, plus the overall male and female winner.

Age groups are as follows:

12 & under

13-16

17-19

20-29

30-39

40-49

50-59

60-69

70 & over

What happens with the money raised from the American Cancer Society Sole Buner 5K Walk/Run?

Funds raised through American Cancer Society Sole Burner 5K Walk/Run support the American Cancer Society‘s fight to end cancer.  Specifically, these dollars are used to make a difference by funding critical research, educating people on prevention and early detection, and providing free information and services to help people facing cancer today-including transportation, lodging, wigs, support programs and more. For more information visit www.cancer.org 

Is there a required fundraising minimum?

There is no fundraising minimum, however in order to make the biggest impact we can on the fight against cancer we suggest all participants set a minimum fundraising goal of $100. Fundraising isn’t all we do, but all we do depends on fundraising.

When and Where is packet pickup?

Stay tuned for Packet Pickup information as we get closer to race day

Can our company be invoiced for our team participants?

Yes, we can assign a coupon code for your company participants to use when registering online and invoice your company after the event for the registration fees. To get a coupon code set up please contact us at soleburnerappleton@cancer.org

Can I register my family or team members?

YES! You can register as many people as you want under one transaction. We also have a mass upload option for our large teams that are invoiced. Contact us at soleburnerappleton@cancer.org if you would like more information using the mass upload option.

Can I bring a stroller or wagon?

Yes. Strollers are welcomed for the 5K walk and please stay to the right.  Runners or walkers pushing joggers for the 5K run are asked to start at the back and be careful of other participants, especially at the start of the event to avoid collision or injury.

Are dogs allowed at the event? 

NO. Only verified service animals are allowed at the Sole Burner at City Park.  

What should I do if I raise funds offline?

You may send collected checks to the American Cancer Society office in Pewaukee, WI. Please be sure to include the mail in donation form so we can credit you or your team properly. 

Is my registration fee tax deductible?
Yes, tax deductible to the full extent of the law. When you register online you will receive a confirmation e-mail that serves as your receipt for tax purposes. When registering by mail or in person, your cancelled check serves as your receipt. For cash, a receipt can be given.

Need help with the website?

We are here to help, for registration, log in, password or website assistance contact 608.716.4627

FUNDRAISING ISN'T ALL WE DO, BUT ALL WE DO DEPENDS ON FUNDRAISING!

The American Cancer Society is committed to saving lives from cancer. But we can not do it without you. Your donations help us fight all types of cancer, for all types of people. Each person who joins the Road America Walk/Run can take pride in knowing that they are working toward creating a world free from this disease. 

Your donations help the American Cancer Society fund ground breaking cancer research, critical patient care services, education and prevention initiatives, and so much more.  No matter how you choose to raise funds, we've got the tools and support you need for fundraising success. All you need is creativity, passion, and imagination. Use the tools and resources below to help meet your fundraising goals!

Fundraising Ideas (Virtual and in person)

Fundraising Ideas for Faith Based Teams

Fundraising Ideas for School Teams

Fundraising Ideas for Companies

Fundraising Ideas for Friends & Family Teams

Facebook Fundraisers - Did you know people raising funds through social media raise 7X more than ones who don't. Click Here to start your Facebook Fundraiser today!

Employee Engagement Opportunities - Payroll Deduction or Matching Gifts (DOUBLE or even TRIPLE your donation)

This is an amazing way to HONOR, CELEBRATE, or REMEMBER a loved one that has battled cancer. An 18" wide x 24" high sign will be placed along the Hill of Hope for all walkers and runners to see. You will be able to pick up your sign after the Sole Burner race onsite. A donation for each tribute sign is $25 (donation will be credited to your fundraising total).  DEADLINE TO ORDER IS April 18, 2025.

For $25, you can order a tribute banner to honor a loved one during race day! 

To order, please contact Ashley Brauer at Fast Signs or visit their store at the address listed below- You will need to provide a message, photo, and payment upon ordering.

Ashley Brauer

Office: 920-954-9778
E-mail: Ashley.brauer@fastsigns.com

Address: 135 S. Casaloma Dr, Appleton, WI 54914

** All tribute banners will be displayed along the route on race day 

Kids 13 & under can join in the Kids Fun Run sponsored by AZCO.  This non-competitive, 1K run takes place at 8:15am.  All kids will also receive a goodie bag at the event! Kids are also welcome to run/walk in the 5K race at no extra cost. 

KIDS FUN RUN INFORMATION

• Kids races will start at 8:15 a.m. on N. Drew St.
• Parents do NOT need to register if they are only running with their children in the Kids Fun Run
• Children who register for the 5K RUN will be chipped timed, listed in results and are eligible for awards. Kids who register for the 5K WALK or KIDS FUN RUN will be self-timed. Children registering for the 5K Walk or the 5K Run are also welcome to participate in the Kids Fun Run at no additional cost.  
• All registered Kids Fun Run participants will receive a custom-printed short-sleeve event shirt, post-race refreshments and a kids goodie bag. 

KIDS ACTIVITIES AT THE PARK 
 Check out our exciting Kids Activities Area located by the playground in City Park. Some of the activities that we have include:

• Create a wood project, provided by Home Depot
• Face Painting
• Balloon Animals
• Robotics Team Demonstration
• And More!

Thank you to our Kids Fun Run sponsor!

Packet Pick-Up will be held on the following days at the Sole Burner office located at 2616 S. Oneida St. Appleton, WI 54915

TEAMS ONLY PICKUP

Friday, May 2nd, 2025: 9:00AM-4:30PM

INDIVIDUAL & TEAMS PICKUP

Wednesday, May 7th, 2025: 9:00AM-7:00PM

Thursday, May 8th, 2025: 9:00AM-7:00PM

Please come with your identification ready to pick-up your individual and/or team packets. 

If you are unable to pick up your packet early at one of the times listed above, you will pick up your packet at City Park the day of the event. 

Feel free to reach out to Devin Schiesser regarding any questions related to packet pick-up at devin.schiesser@cancer.org

Thank you!

FUNDRAISING ISN'T ALL WE DO, BUT ALL WE DO DEPENDS ON FUNDRAISING!

The American Cancer Society is committed to saving lives from cancer. But we can't do it without you. Your donations help us fight all types of cancer, for all types of people. Each person who joins Sole Burner 5K Walk-Run can take pride in knowing that they are working toward creating a world free from this disease.

Your donations help the American Cancer Society fund groundbreaking cancer research, critical patient care services, education and prevention initiatives, and so much more. Use the tools and resources below to meet your fundraising goals!

SPONSOR

• 2025 Sponsorship Opportunities

RECRUIT

• How To Register For The Sole Burner 5K
• Event Poster 
• Mail-In Registration Form 

FUNDRAISE

• How to set up your fundraising page
• Virtual Fundraising Ideas
• Pledge Form
• "HOPE" $100 Fundraising Game
• Fighting Cancer One Dime at a Time
• Wall of Hope
• How to set up your Facebook Fundraiser and raise 7x more
• 2024 Fundraising Incentives

GENERAL

• Team Captain Toolkit 
• Mail In Donation Form 
• T-Shirt Back Printing Order Form

Start: East Franklin St

Opening Ceremony:8:45am

Race Start: 9:00am

NO DOGS! Only verified service animals allowed. 

With our virtual race option you can run from anywhere at anytime! You choose the time and place to walk or run your 5K (3.14 miles). Your 5K can be done on your favorite trail, while on vacation, or on your treadmill. You can do it on any day that works for you.

When you register for the virtual race you will receive:

- Our super soft event shirt
- Event race bib
- Online fundraising tools
- You will be eligible for the fun Sole Burner contest and prizes leading up to the event.

Virtual Race Rules:

Our virtual runs are staged completely on the honor system. By registering, we assume you will complete the mileage required. 

After registering for the Virtual Race, you may complete your 5K (3.14 miles) until December 1.
Virtual Race Entry fees are non-transferable and non-refundable. No exceptions.
Price: $30.00 Race Fee
Registration: Registration ends May 10, 2024 at 11:59pm CDT

Sole Burner 5K Walk/Run
Saturday, May 11, 2024
City Park, Appleton

Welcome back volunteers to the 2024 Sole Burner 5K Walk/Run. We are so excited to have you here to help on another successful event!

We couldn’t do it without the dedication and support from volunteers like yourself. It’s the gift of your time and effort
that makes large community events like the Sole Burner possible.

Please click on the Signup Genius link below to sign up for a volunteer role:

SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER HERE!

While many of you are returning volunteers, some of you may be new to our event. Below you’ll find much of the
information you’ll need to help us out!

If you’re a returning volunteer and are comfortable with what you need to do, please feel free to head to your station
and jump right in. Otherwise…

Attached you’ll find a map of the City Park. The Volunteer/Information will be on the southwest side of the park, just off
the path on the corner of Franklin and Drew St. Please check in there with Tim or Devin and they will get you set. 

Key information:
o Parking: You may also park on any of the surrounding side streets, mainly to the west of the City Park. DO
NOT park on Union, Park, Drew, Franklin, North, or Harris streets. If you are working an intersection, you may
park by your intersection after checking in. Just make sure you don’t park on the race route! :)
o Dress Code: There is no dress code for volunteers, so please where something comfortable and weather
appropriate. We will be giving you a nice orange vest to signify you as a volunteer for the event.
o Check in: Unless another time is noted on signup genius, please check in at the volunteer tent 10 min prior to
your station start time.
o Activity: The event tends to have high and low periods of activity. While you may be bored for a bit and feel like
you are standing around, it will get really busy.
o Area coordinators will be wearing a yellow vest. If you have questions, check in with them.
o When you have completed the station you’ve signed up for, please check back in at the volunteer tent before
you leave. If your game, we’ll have other tasks.
o Help: If you see an area that needs help, please feel free to jump right in!
o Questions? Contact Devin Schiesser at devin.schiesser@cancer.org

Event Overview:
42nd Annual Sole Burner 5K Walk/Run
Saturday, May 11th 

Location: City Park, Appleton
500 East Franklin St. Appleton, WI 54911

Timeline:
5:00am – Setup begins
7:30am – Registration Opens
8:00am – Kids Activities open
8:15am - Kids Fun Run
9:00am – 5K Run Starts
9:05am – 5K Walk Starts
10:15am – Awards
10:30 am – Clean Up

Emergencies and Situations:
Lost Child:
Please escort lost children or lost adults (looking for children) to Volunteer/Information tent.

Lost and Found:
The volunteer/information tent is also the location for lost and found items.

Minor Medical:
We will have band aids for minor injuries in the volunteer/information tent. For people that have other injuries they would like assessed please contact our Park Medical Triage contact.

Medical Emergencies:
If an emergency should arise, please call 911 first, then please call Devin, Gary or Tim (phone numbers are attached).
For medical emergencies, we have 3 First Aid Stations: