
From the Organizer
Join us for the inaugural Mission Hope 5K: Rocket City Run for Pediatric Brain Cancer Research, benefiting Princess Hailey's Hope Foundation, a Huntsville-based nonprofit dedicated to funding pediatric brain cancer research and supporting children and families facing these devastating diagnoses.
Held during Brain Tumor Awareness Month, Mission Hope brings our community together to honor the children who have battled pediatric brain cancer, celebrate the warriors still fighting, and raise critical funds to accelerate research for better treatments and cures.
The event was inspired by our daughter, Hailey, who battled Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG) for 17 months before passing away at age 4. DIPG and Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG) are among the deadliest forms of childhood cancer, with most children surviving less than a year after diagnosis. Despite decades of research, treatment options remain limited, making the need for continued investment in research more urgent than ever.
Hosted in the heart of Rocket City, Mission Hope reflects the spirit of innovation, discovery, and perseverance that defines Huntsville. Just as space exploration pushes the boundaries of what is possible, we believe research can help change the future for children diagnosed with brain cancer.
Whether you're a seasoned runner, casual walker, survivor, family member, or community supporter, every step you take helps fund hope for children and families facing pediatric brain cancer.
Together, we can power up research, fuel hope, and move closer to a cure.
100% of race proceeds support pediatric brain cancer research and family support programs through Princess Hailey's Hope Foundation.
https://princesshaileyshope.org
More research. More hope. More tomorrows.
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
81°
Typical Low
58°
Chance of Rain
33%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Huntsville Intl Ap, 11 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
218,814
as of 2023
City Elevation
624 ft
Nearest Airport
HSV
Huntsville International Airport · 13 mi
Major Hub
BHM
Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport · 81 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Mission Hope 5K: Rocket City Run for Pediatric Brain Cancer Research, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
325
Days to train
Coming Up
Freedom 5K
Less than a mile away
Hot Summer Nights 5K
2 miles away
Rocket City Microthon
1 mile away
2026 Spooktacular 5K & Monster Mile
2 miles away
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 the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Mission Hope 5K: Rocket City Run for Pediatric Brain Cancer Research
May 8, 2027