National Brain Tumor Society, the largest patient advocacy organization in the United States committed to curing brain tumors and improving the lives of patients and families, will host the 9th annual Virginia Brain Tumor Walk & Race at Bryan Park on October 25, 2026. Hundreds of local volunteers and participants—including patients, survivors, caregivers, families and friends, research scientists, medical providers, and local businesses—will walk and run for a critical cause: conquering and curing brain tumors — once and for all.
This family-friendly event supports, honors, and remembers all Virginia residents that have been affected by the more than 100 types of brain tumors — all of which can be devastating and debilitating, and many of which can be deadly. Proceeds raised from this event will help the National Brain Tumor Society deliver on its mission to discover a cure, deliver effective treatments, and advocate for patients and caregivers.
“I’m looking forward to taking part in the Virginia Brain Tumor Walk and Race in Richmond to honor my amazing mother, Beverly, who died in 2017 after battling an aggressive, inoperable grade 4 astrocytoma brain tumor. My mom passed away less than two months after her diagnosis, and our world was completely turned upside down. Now I’m determined to spend the rest of my life fundraising to make sure others with a similar diagnosis get more of a fighting chance to survive.”
Alexis Cox, captain of Beverly’s Brainiacs
Event organizers expect more than 1000 to attend the 5K with a goal of raising almost $195,000 for the cause. Check-in opens at 9:00 a.m., followed by the Remembrance Ceremony at 10:00 a.m. The Race begins at 11:00 a.m. There will be fun activities for the whole family, and delicious food and coffee from local vendors.
For individuals unable to attend in person, virtual participation is available and free to register.
Nearly 89,000 individuals in the U.S. will receive a primary brain tumor diagnosis in 2026, and nearly 20,000 Americans are estimated to die because of brain cancer this year. Brain tumors are now the leading cause of cancer-related death in children 19-years-old and younger, accounting for three out of every 10 cancer deaths. More so than any other cancer, a brain tumor can have life-altering psychological, cognitive, behavioral, and physical effects. There are no known prevention or early detection methods, few available treatments, and there is no cure.
To learn more about this event, please visit www.BrainTumor.org/Virginia
About the National Brain Tumor Society
Building on over 30 years of experience, the National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS) unrelentingly invests in, mobilizes, and unites the brain tumor community to discover a cure, deliver effective treatments, and advocate for patients and caregivers. Our focus on defeating brain tumors and improving the quality of patients’ lives is powered by our partnerships across science, healthcare, policy, and business sectors. We fund treatments-focused research and convene those most critical to curing brain tumors once and for all. Join us at BrainTumor.org.
