Lace up for a race with heart at Paige's Butterfly Run 5K, celebrating its 30th annual event on Saturday, June 6, 2026, in vibrant downtown Syracuse, NY. This premier running event, held in conjunction with the lively Taste of Syracuse festival, offers participants a unique blend of fitness and community spirit. Runners can choose between a USATF-certified 5K, a 3K fun run/walk, or team up for the spirited 5K Centipede Team Division. Younger participants can join the adorable Caterpillar Crawl, making it a truly family-friendly affair. For those unable to attend in person, a virtual option is also available.

The road course winds through downtown Syracuse, starting and finishing near the National Grid Building on Erie Blvd W, promising an engaging urban race experience. Historically, race day conditions typically bring highs around 75°F and lows around 55°F, with a minimal 17% chance of precipitation, creating comfortable running weather. Beyond the competition, Paige's Butterfly Run stands out for its profound mission: every stride taken and every dollar raised directly supports local childhood cancer research and patient programs at the Dr. William J. Waters Center for Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders at Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital. Since its inception in 1997, the event has raised over $5,000,000, profoundly impacting families fighting childhood cancer in Central New York.

Participants often praise the race for its incredible cause and the uplifting atmosphere of community support. Packet pickup and the awards ceremony for top fundraisers take place at the Hanley Federal Building, adding to the centralized event experience. Come for the run, stay for the festivities, and contribute to a cause that truly makes a difference in the lives of children.