Julie’s Pink Warrior Project 5K Returns October 18

On Saturday, October 18 at 9 a.m., hundreds of runners and walkers will gather at the Commons in Jacksonville for this year’s Julie’s Pink Warrior Project 5K. Many will wear pink to spotlight the event’s mission—funding free mammograms for Onslow County residents who have little or no insurance. Every participant will also stand together for the larger purpose: to send a message that cancer will not outlast us, and that one day, it will be gone for good.

The morning will be filled with joy and determination. Some will cross the five-kilometer course with speed and stamina, while others will walk in quiet reflection. There will be laughter in the company of friends, and tears as loved ones lost to cancer are remembered—reminders that their spirit continues to inspire each step forward.

By noon, the finish line will be packed up, sponsor signs will come down, and photo-ready banners will be rolled away. Yet the impact of the day will linger long after the event space is cleared. For the volunteers who organize Julie’s 5K, the pause will be brief—just enough time to catch their breath before planning begins for the next year.

What makes Julie’s 5K unique is not just its cause but the people behind it. The event is organized by employees of Onslow Memorial Hospital. It’s not in their job description, and they don’t do it for recognition. They do it because they have seen the devastation of cancer firsthand, and they believe in the power of compassion, medicine, and community working together.

These volunteers—known simply as “Julie’s folks”—rarely seek credit. They focus instead on handling the countless details that make the 5K possible. From managing logistics to rallying participants, they pour their energy into ensuring the event succeeds, all because they want to help others in the fight against cancer.

While the Onslow Memorial Hospital Foundation receives the funds raised, the true heartbeat of Julie’s Pink Warrior Project is the hospital staff who have made it their passion. Their zeal and determination are the force that keeps this tradition alive and meaningful year after year.

We invite you to be part of this powerful morning on October 18. Whether you run, walk, volunteer, or simply show up in support, your presence matters. Together, we can honor the memories of those we’ve lost, celebrate the survivors among us, and fuel the fight for a future free of cancer.