Registration Open for Eighth Annual Race for a Healthier Tomorrow

LITTLE ROCK, AR. (Sept. 2, 2026) - Runners, walkers and families can lace up their shoes and step into a world of peppermints and gumdrops to help raise money for Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH) at the eighth-annual Race for a Healthier Tomorrow.

Hosted by the ACH Auxiliary and featuring a candy theme, this year’s event will take place on Saturday, Oct. 10 at the Arkansas State Capitol in Little Rock. The program begins at approximately 8:30 a.m., with the USA Track & Field-certified 5K race set to start at 9 a.m. A one-mile Family Walk will follow a few minutes later. The event will also include a Family Festival with booths, food and activities from local businesses and organizations.

Participants are encouraged to dress in their most colorful, candy-inspired costumes for a chance to win a prize.

"Race for a Healthier Tomorrow has grown into one of the Auxiliary's most beloved traditions, and this year's candy-themed event is going to make it more fun than ever," said Ashley Henry, a member of the ACH Auxiliary and chair of this year’s event. "Whether someone is running the 5K, walking with their family or just stopping by the festival, every registration and every dollar raised goes directly toward helping the kids and families who count on Arkansas Children's Hospital."

Proceeds from the race benefit Arkansas Children's Hospital, supporting the hospital's mission to make children better today and healthier tomorrow. Adult and youth participants who sign up for either the 5K race or the Family Walk before Sept. 20 are guaranteed a long-sleeve, moisture-wicking shirt. Medals will also be awarded to the first 600 5K finishers and the first 300 Family Walk finishers.

Additional details, including registration information and a course map, are available at archildrens.org/race.

ABOUT ARKANSAS CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL AUXILIARY

The Arkansas Children's Hospital Auxiliary, a member of the Arkansas Hospital Auxiliary Association, is a separate 501(c)(3) organization serving patients and families through fundraising and service projects. Founded in 1967, the Auxiliary has more than 550 members who support the hospital through many fundraising efforts including a la Carte, Miracle Ball, Race for a Healthier Tomorrow, Playaway Gift Shop, ACHiever program and Holiday Card Project.

ABOUT ARKANSAS CHILDREN’S

Arkansas Children's is the only health system in the state solely dedicated to caring for Arkansas' 850,000 children. The private, non-profit organization includes the Arkansas Children’s Golisano Campus in Little Rock, home to Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH), and the Arkansas Children’s Walker Campus in Springdale, home to Arkansas Children’s Northwest (ACNW). The two pediatric hospitals host 361 licensed beds, supported by a pediatric research institute and USDA nutrition center, a philanthropic foundation, a nursery alliance, statewide clinics and many education and outreach programs — all focused on fulfilling a promise to define, discover and deliver unprecedented child health. ACH is a Magnet-recognized facility operating the state’s only Level I pediatric trauma center; the state's only burn center; the state's only Level IV neonatal intensive care unit; the state's only pediatric intensive care unit; the state’s only pediatric surgery program with Level 1 verification from the American College of Surgeons (ACS); and the state's only nationally recognized pediatric transport program. Arkansas Children’s is nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report in seven pediatric subspecialties (2025-2026): Cancer, Cardiology & Heart Surgery, Nephrology, Neurology & Neurosurgery, Orthopedics, Pulmonology & Lung Surgery and Urology. ACNW, the first and only pediatric hospital in the northwest Arkansas region, is a Level IV pediatric trauma center. ACNW operates an inpatient unit that will expand in 2026; a surgical unit with five operating rooms; outpatient clinics offering over 20 subspecialties; diagnostic services; imaging capabilities; occupational therapy services; and northwest Arkansas' only pediatric emergency department. Generous philanthropic and volunteer engagement has sustained Arkansas Children's since it began as an orphanage in 1912, and today ensures the system can deliver on its promise of unprecedented child health. To learn more, visit archildrens.org.

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