Thousands Unite in Hope at the 23rd Annual Sherry’s Run
Over 3,000 participants lined West Main Street on the morning of September 12th to unite in hope at the 23rd annual Sherry’s Run 5K Run/Walk to benefit Sherry’s Hope! Although there were worries that storms might delay the event, the rain clouds didn’t stay for long, and the event went on as planned! The event site featured a silent auction, live music, and a Ribbon Wall of Hope where participants could remember and honor loved ones impacted by cancer. There was also a special tent for survivors to hang out at, which was birthday party themed because Sherry’s Run fell on September 12th this year, which also happened to be the birthday of Sherry Whitaker, the namesake of the Sherry’s Hope organization.
The Sherry’s Run 5K Run/Walk is the largest fundraiser of the year for Sherry’s Hope. Over the past 5 years, Sherry’s Hope has been able to assist hundreds of families with over 1.25 million dollars in assistance. Because of God’s blessings on the Sherry’s Run event, dozens of families in Wilson County and surrounding communities will continue to be assisted by Sherry’s Hope with expenses caused by cancer.
The 2026 Sherry’s Run 5K was held in memory of Jayden Bailey. Jayden’s mother, London Elie-Wright was joined by family and friends as she was invited on stage. London shared that the support her family had received from the community showed how much Jayden loved others and how much others loved him too. She expressed her gratitude as Sherry’s Hope Executive Board Member, Tyler Whitaker presented London with a crystal basketball memorial trophy with Jayden’s name engraved on it.
The Sherry’s Hope Board & Staff would like to express their gratitude to everyone who participated in the Sherry’s Run 5K Run/Walk, and the hundreds of volunteers and sponsors who made the event possible! This year, 142 teams participated together! The following teams received awards:
Most participants on a team: Katie & Co.
Most money raised (over entry fees): Katie & Co.
Most team spirit: Hale of a Tribe
Team T-shirt competition: The Spoken Word Church
Most Creative Team Name: Bile & Error
There were 748 chip-timed runners out of the 3,027 participants who registered! As runners/walkers made their way across the finish line, Cumberland University’s cheer squad cheered them on! Each participant received a Sherry’s Run medal, as they crossed the finish line! Congratulations to the race winners:
Female Overall Winner: Umahan Sahin
Male Overall Winner: Connor Zorn
Female Masters Winner: Lindsey Woods
Male Masters Winner: Greg Pirtle
Visit www.sherrysrun.org for a complete listing of all winners by age category and runner times.
Be sure to save the date for the 24th annual Sherry’s Run 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, September 11, 2027!
Sherry’s Hope is a Christian, non-profit organization that works throughout the year to provide hope to families battling cancer in Wilson County and surrounding communities by offering emotional encouragement and financial assistance. In addition, Sherry’s Hope works to spread colon health awareness by distributing free colon cancer screening tests.
To learn more about the Sherry’s Run 5K event, visit www.sherrysrun.org, call 615-925-2592, or email info@sherryshope.org. To learn more about Sherry’s Hope programs and services, visit www.sherryshope.org, call 615-925-9932, or email help@sherryshope.org. To make a donation to Sherry’s Hope, visit www.sherryshope.org or mail donations to Sherry’s Hope, P.O. Box 8, Lebanon, TN 37088-0008.