Melanoma Research Foundation Reschedules Annual Chicago 5K Fundraiser, Celebrating More Than $115,000 Raised for Melanoma Research, Education and Advocacy
Chicago, IL (September 10, 2026) – The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) is excited to announce the rescheduled date for its annual Chicago Miles for Melanoma 5K, bringing together melanoma patients, survivors, caregivers, families and supporters from across the Chicago community. Originally scheduled for July 19, the Chicago Miles for Melanoma 5K will now take place on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at Diversey Harbor. Participants are invited to join the event bright and early at 7:30 AM CT for check-in, followed by opening ceremonies at 8:30 AM CT and the official race kickoff at 9:00 AM CT. We are proud to welcome Freedom Boat Club, in partnership with Brunswick, as this year’s Local Presenting Sponsor, and are thrilled to have Evrod Cassimy, NBC 5 Chicago Morning Anchor, join us as our event emcee.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to receive complimentary skin checks provided by local sponsor City of Hope Chicago. Early detection remains one of the most powerful tools in the fight against melanoma, and these free screenings offer participants an easy way to prioritize their skin health while supporting a lifesaving cause.
The 5K walk/run will bring together the Chicago melanoma community, which has already surpassed its $100,000 fundraising goal and raised more than $115,000 in support of critical melanoma research.
In addition to raising essential funds to support melanoma research, this event helps elevate public awareness around the importance of early detection and prevention of cutaneous (skin) melanoma and inform all about the rare melanoma subtypes. The Miles for Melanoma program also highlights the importance of sun safety and scheduling annual dermatological skin checks.
The MRF team is proud to welcome an incredible group of partners supporting this year’s Chicago Miles for Melanoma 5K. We’re grateful for the support of our local sponsors, including Bristol Myers Squibb, Castle Biosciences, Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology, Chicago City of Hope Cancer Center, Freedom Boat Club, Illinois Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants, Natera, Pfizer and Sunsei. We’re also thankful for Neutrogena, our National Prevention Partner, and Cabana Life, our National Apparel Partner.
All in-person and registered participants will receive our Miles for Melanoma UPF50+ Cabana Life shirt. To register for this year’s event, visit 2026 Chicago Miles for Melanoma – Melanoma Research Foundation. Regular rate registration will close on Thursday, September 24 at 11:59 pm CT.
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About the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF)
The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) is the largest independent organization devoted to melanoma. Committed to the support of medical research to develop effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma, the MRF also educates patients and physicians about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cutaneous melanoma and the melanoma rare subtypes. The MRF is a dedicated advocate for the melanoma community, helping to raise awareness of this disease and the need for a cure.
The MRF’s website is the premier source for melanoma information seekers. More information is available at www.melanoma.org. Find the MRF on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok.
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