5Kater is a running race on September 26, 2026 in Neenah, WI, with an entry fee of $15.
From the Organizer
Kate, 4, was diagnosed at birth with LCHADD (Long-Chain Hydroxyacyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency), a type of FAOD (fatty acid oxidation disorder). LCHADD is a rare metabolic disorder that prevents Kate’s body from converting certain fats into energy. Because of this, her body breaks down her muscles for energy, leading to neuropathy, frequent hospitalizations, and the possibility of sudden death. Thankfully, newborn screenings have helped improve diagnosis, and treatment options have increased the survival rate. However, ongoing health problems, such as heart failure, blindness, and disability, continue to be high even with treatment. LCHADD currently affects about 1 in 250,000 births with Wisconsin typically diagnosing 1 case every 3-4 years.
The good news is, research for LCHADD is very promising! We have teamed up with a family in Kentucky whose little boy, Sawyer, was born with TFP (trifunctional protein deficiency), another rare type of FAOD. Currently, there are less than 100 documented cases worldwide and no one living past the age of 32.
Dr. Jerry Vockley, with Pittsburg Children’s Hospital, is the world’s leading specialist on metabolic disorders. His research is working towards a cure for LCHAD, TFP, and other FAODs. In 2021, he was close to an effective treatment, but government funding was lost due to COVID redirection and has yet to be restored. This is why we have teamed with Sawyer’s family to help Dr. Vockley’s search for a cure. BLESSINGS OVERFLOW, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is dedicated to funding critical TFP and LCHAD research. We partner with Sawyer’s family to raise money and donate 100% of the proceeds directly to the Pittsburgh Children’s Hospital. These funds are earmarked for Dr. Vockley’s lab and his team’s life-saving work.
This will be our third year hosting the 5Kater, a 5K walk with family and friends, and we’ve raised over $10,000 the past two years, which contributed to the over $500,000 raised by Sawyer’s Race for Research to date. This money has helped keep Dr. Vockley’s research going, speed up major breakthroughs, and shorten the timeline for life-saving therapy by years!
We would be honored to have your support through any donations possible. We will be including a raffle at the 5Kater and 100% of the proceeds will go directly to research. We’re proud to be a part of the progress that’s been made, and improving the outlook for kids like Kate and Sawyer. Donations can also be made directly through Sawyer’s Race for Research website, Sawyer’s race in Kentucky, found at this link.
The 5Kater will include:
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
68°
Typical Low
47°
Chance of Rain
35%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Appleton, 9 mi from the venue.
Host City
City Elevation
750 ft
Nearest Airport
ATW
Appleton International Airport · 6 mi
Major Hub
MKE
General Mitchell International Airport · 90 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at 5Kater, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
Enter your email and we'll send more your way.
From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it’s the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer’s event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
From 5K to marathon, running races are an accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Coming Up
2026 Terror Twilight Track Meet presented by Appleton West High School
8 miles away
2026 Fox Cities 5K & 10K Training Run Series presented by Fleet Feet
2 miles away
Community First Fox Cities Marathon presented by Miron Construction
6 miles away
Fox Cities Marathon with myTEAM TRIUMPH
6 miles away
Plan your trip
Coming from out of town? There's more to Neenah than race day. We'll help you line up nearby lodging, flights, a rental car, and things to do so you can make the most of your racecation.
Plan your trip to NeenahFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
5Kater
Sep 26, 2026