Alana's Eternal Light 5K
- Date Sat 22nd August 2026
- Time 7:30PM CDT
- Location Genoa, Illinois
- Price $38.10
- Races 1 race
- Distances 5km
Last chance to enter
Race day is fast approaching
Event summary
Join us for the uplifting Alana's Eternal Light 5K on Saturday, August 22, 2026, in the charming town of Genoa, DeKalb. This special event commemorates what would have been Alana VanMeter's 16th birthday and honors her legacy through the scholarship fund, Alana's Wings of Hope. The race kicks off at CrossWind Community Church and winds through Alana's neighborhood, allowing her spirit to be a part of the celebration as runners pass her home and along her bus route.
As the sun sets and the sky transforms into beautiful shades of purple—Alana's favorite color—participants will have the opportunity to run in a festive atmosphere while supporting a heartfelt cause. Runners can compete for overall awards for the top male and female finishers, as well as age group awards across various categories. Come celebrate with us, wish Alana a Happy Birthday, and make memories that will shine bright in her honor!
As the sun sets and the sky transforms into beautiful shades of purple—Alana's favorite color—participants will have the opportunity to run in a festive atmosphere while supporting a heartfelt cause. Runners can compete for overall awards for the top male and female finishers, as well as age group awards across various categories. Come celebrate with us, wish Alana a Happy Birthday, and make memories that will shine bright in her honor!
Organiser's Description
On September 3, 2025, Alana VanMeter passed suddenly due to a pulmonary embolism. Three days prior to her passing, she asked her mother what she would do if she were to pass suddenly. Her mother told her she would want to start a scholarship fund in her memory. Months later ALANAS WINGS OF HOPE [https://www.alanaswingsofhope.com/] was born to honor that promise; along with supporting activities that were important to Alana and helping other families impacted by sudden and tragic losses.
Please come and help us celebrate what wouldve been Alanas 16th birthday.
The race will start at CrossWind Community Church. It will run through Alanas neighborhood passing her home so she can see all the runners. The path will continue along her bus route before returning back to the church. This sunset run is to take place when the sky is painted in shades of purple (Alanas favorite color). We would love it if you could help us in wishing Alana a Happy Birthday this year.
OVERALL AWARDS
Top 1 Male & Top 1 Female [Gun Time]
_Age Group Double Dipping NOT Allowed
_AGE GROUP AWARDS
Top 1 Male and Top 1 Female [Net Time]
10 & Under, 11-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 & Over
registrations after 8/13 are not guaranteed an event shirt.
Please come and help us celebrate what wouldve been Alanas 16th birthday.
The race will start at CrossWind Community Church. It will run through Alanas neighborhood passing her home so she can see all the runners. The path will continue along her bus route before returning back to the church. This sunset run is to take place when the sky is painted in shades of purple (Alanas favorite color). We would love it if you could help us in wishing Alana a Happy Birthday this year.
OVERALL AWARDS
Top 1 Male & Top 1 Female [Gun Time]
_Age Group Double Dipping NOT Allowed
_AGE GROUP AWARDS
Top 1 Male and Top 1 Female [Net Time]
10 & Under, 11-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 & Over
registrations after 8/13 are not guaranteed an event shirt.
Races
-
5k
Incl. $3.10 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 22nd August 2026 (7:30PM CDT)
$38.10
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Location
13100 Cherry Rd, Genoa, 60135, IL, United States
Alana's Eternal Light 5K
