The Choose Joy for Melina 5K
When is The Choose Joy for Melina 5K?
The Choose Joy for Melina 5K takes place on Sunday, September 13, 2026 in Canfield, OH.
What distances does The Choose Joy for Melina 5K offer?
The Choose Joy for Melina 5K offers 6 events: In-Person 5K (Cinch Bag Only), In-Person 5K (Cinch Bag Only), Virtual 5K (Cinch Bag Only), Virtual 5K (Cinch Bag Only), Virtual 5K (Cinch Bag Only), In-Person 5K (Cinch Bag Only).
| Event | Distance | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Person 5K (Cinch Bag Only) | 5.0 km | $35.00 | Register |
| In-Person 5K (Cinch Bag Only) | 5.0 km | $20.00 | Register |
| Virtual 5K (Cinch Bag Only) | 5.0 km | $35.00 | Register |
| Virtual 5K (Cinch Bag Only) | 5.0 km | $20.00 | Register |
| Virtual 5K (Cinch Bag Only) | 5.0 km | $35.00 | Register |
| In-Person 5K (Cinch Bag Only) | 5.0 km | $35.00 | Register |
How much does The Choose Joy for Melina 5K cost?
Registration for The Choose Joy for Melina 5K starts at $20.00. Prices vary by event distance.
Where is The Choose Joy for Melina 5K held?
The Choose Joy for Melina 5K is held in Canfield, OH at 100 Cardinal Dr..
About The Choose Joy for Melina 5K
This year we are COMBINING two of our favorite events, the CHOOSE JOY on the Green and our 5K! Melina always said, "It's NEVER ENOUGH!" Well, now it's MORE! An in-person 5K, a Virtual option, support from far and wide, AND... all the kid's fun! Everything Melina loved - a party, a race, and JOY! Help us fight for MORE than 4! Help us find a cure for pediatric brain tumors. Together this September we fight for JOY!
Join us for the 7th annual "Choose Joy for Melina 5K and MORE, presented by the Melina Michelle Edenfield Foundation.
In-Person 5K: Sunday, September 13th, 2026, at Canfield High School (100 Cardinal Drive, Canfield, Ohio 44406). Packet Pick-Up & Race Day Registration: 2:00pm-3:15pm. 5K start: 3:30pm.
Kids Fun Run (Ages 8 & Under): Sunday, September 13th, 2026, at 5:00pm. The 400 Meter Kids Fun Run is free and is one lap on the track.
Virtual 5K: September 13th, 2026, through October 13th, 2026. Packets may be shipped for $10 or participants can pick up their packets on Saturday, September 13th from 10:00am-12:00pm at the Hampton Inn Canfield (6690 Ironwood Blvd, Canfield, Ohio 44406). Virtual participants can submit their time to josh@gcxcracing.com or they can upload times through this website. Click on the "Results" tab. If you run a faster 5K time at any point thereafter, you may resubmit your time to be updated.
Choose Joy Day: The free kids' event will take place from 2:00pm-6:00pm and open to all racers, guests, and everyone who is CHOOSING JOY!
* Please note that participant tshirts are only guaranteed through August 27th, 2026.
Thank You
Letter from Melina's Mom
Hello,
I wanted to take a minute to introduce myself. I’m Michelle, and I am proud to say I am the mother of three beautiful baby girls, Klara, Emilea, and Melina. I am also currently the president of the Melina Michelle Edenfield Foundation. I have tried to resign a few times since it began because, to be honest, it’s hard, it’s very hard. However, what is harder is thinking of all the families that are experiencing this pain, this loss, and the magnitude of helplessness upon hearing the most brilliant professionals say “yes this is a death sentence, there is nothing that can be done, we just don’t have answers.” Because of that, and because of my Melina, I invite you into my army to fight.
As we fight I want you to understand our cause, our mission, and our love. Our Melina was a beautiful, happy, strawberry blonde, curly-haired competitive spirit. Melina never so much as had a sick visit. She had never been on an antibiotic. Imagine our shock on May 22nd when we were told there was a mass on her brain, and as the day unfolded, we found out she had a tumor in her brain stem. And the craziest part, we caught the tumor earlier than most. From the day she was diagnosed, Melina declined. There was a chance radiation could give us 4-6 months with our baby. Think of that -- the best there is to offer right now to a family with this diagnosis is a chance at 4-6 months with their child. And, as of now, very few clinical trials exist, and unfortunately, they provide minimal to no success with quality of life.
Our Melina was amazing throughout the last month of her life. As she declined, her spirit never did. And because of that we have to carry her spirit to fight. I can’t sleep at night thinking this is the best we’ve got. Neil Armstrong’s daughter had the same type of tumor. Neil Armstrong walked on the moon. We haven’t made a significant advancement in treatment for this type of pediatric brain tumor in 60 years.
So I ask you to join my fight. I don’t care how big or how small. But we are fighting for answers, for awareness, and for joy. I need to know families can have hope. I need to know Melina has a purpose greater than her four and half short years on this earth. I need to hear people talk about her because she truly was our miracle, and I really want her to be the miracle for someone else. We are raising as much money as we can to donate to research for a cure for these horrible tumors. We are raising awareness of Melina’s joy. So today I am asking you to register for the ‘Choosing Joy for Melina First Annual Virtual 5k,’ to make a donation, to share the event, and make a choice today to choose joy because you can and because Melina wants you to.
Love,
Michelle
What do participants get for their registration:
Your registration fee includes a race t-shirt, race bib (in person only), goodie bag, and contribution toward helping to find a cure for childhood brain cancer by "Choosing Joy for Melina".
Packet pick-up location and times for event:
In-person participants can pick up their goody bag (t-shirt included in the bag) on SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14th at Canfield High School from 2:00-3:15pm (5K begins at 3:30pm and Kids Fun Run begins at 5:00pm) or you can choose to have your goody bag shipped to you for $10 (select shipping during registration).
Virtual participants can pick up their goody bag (t-shirt included in the bag) on SATURDAY. SEPTEMBER 13th from 10:00am-12:00pm at The Hampton Inn Canfield (6690 Ironwood Blvd, Canfield, OH 44406).
Where do I run or walk my 5K?
Anywhere! Be creative - you can complete your 5K in your neighborhood, the park, or even treadmill. Run or Walk! Choose Joy!
How long do I have to submit my time? And where?
You may submit your time between the dates of October 1st and October 31st.
Simply submit your time to josh@gcxcracing.com and he will upload it for you. If you run a faster 5K time at any point thereafter, you may resubmit your time to be uploaded.
You can also submit your time HERE.
Do I need to submit proof of time?
No. This virtual event is honor-based. We hope that everyone is truthful when submitting times, although we will monitor times as they are uploaded.
Are there awards?
We are not offering overall or age group awards. However, all profits from your race registration and/or donation will be donated to the Melina Michelle Edenfield Foundation to help find a cure for child brain cancer by "Choosing Joy for Melina."
Are you accepting donations?
Yes, we are. Thank you for your interest in supporting the Melina Michelle Edenfield Foundation. You may make a donation during your registration or by clicking HERE.
Who are the proceeds benefiting?
Proceeds will benefit the Melina Michelle Edenfield Foundation to support finding a cure for childhood brain cancer. You can read more about this non-profit organization by clicking HERE.
How can I view results?
Results will begin to upload on October 1st and will update each day through October 31st, 2024. You will be able to view results by clicking HERE beginning October 2nd.