Run4Kids Returns September 19th to Help Keep Chattanooga Families Together

Graphic Courtesy of RMH Chattanooga

When a child is seriously ill or injured, a family’s entire world can change in an instant. Hospital stays can mean long days, sleepless nights, unexpected expenses and, for families who live outside Chattanooga, the added challenge of finding a place to stay close to their child.

That’s where Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Chattanooga comes in—and this weekend, Chattanooga has an opportunity to help support that mission while having a little fun along the way.

The 7th Annual Run4Kids takes place Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the Tennessee Riverwalk’s Hubert Fry Center, located at 4301 Amnicola Highway.

The event features a 5K run, a 1-mile walk and a morning of family-friendly activities, all benefiting families with critically ill or injured children.

What You Need to Know

The morning gets started at 8 a.m. with registration, followed by announcements and a family story at 8:30 a.m. At 8:45 a.m., even the mascots get in on the action with a 40-yard dash before the 5K gets underway at 9 a.m. The 1-mile walk follows at 9:10, with activity booths, CrossFit challenges, food trucks and more beginning around 9:15.

The 5K follows the Riverwalk, while the 1-mile option gives people who aren’t looking to run a chance to participate and support the cause.

It’s About Much More Than a Race

Run4Kids raises money to help Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Chattanooga provide the resources families need when their children are receiving medical care.

The organization’s mission is to provide essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families and promote healing when children need healthcare.

The centerpiece is the Ronald McDonald House itself, located directly across from Children’s Hospital at Erlanger. The House is a 28-bedroom facility providing FREE lodging for eligible families with critically ill children. Families receive more than simply a place to sleep—they have access to hot meals, laundry facilities, shared spaces, wellness resources and a community of support during an incredibly difficult time.

For eligible families, the House can mean something incredibly important; being close to their child without having to worry about the cost of a hotel or being separated from the rest of their family.

RMHC says that more than 10,000 families have stayed at the Chattanooga Ronald McDonald House, with approximately 550–600 families staying at the House each year.

Gino D sat down with RMH Chattanooga’s Director of Marketing and Communication Jannat Saeed and she told us all about the event. Listen below!

Run4Kids takes place Saturday, September 19th at the Tennessee Riverwalk.  For registration, donations and more information, visit RMHChattanooga.com.