Lace up, grab your turquoise and get ready to hit the sand. The American Lung Association in South Carolina will host the 13th annual Charleston LUNG FORCE Run/Walk on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Folly Beach County Park.
The 5K takes place right on the beach, inviting participants to run, walk, jog or stroll in support of those impacted by lung cancer and lung disease. The event brings together survivors, caregivers, families, friends, healthcare professionals and community supporters to celebrate those we love, honor those we’ve lost and raise funds for lifesaving lung health research, education and advocacy.
This year, LUNG FORCE will expand its celebration of the lung health community by highlighting local healthcare professionals through the new Charleston LUNG FORCE Medical Honoree Award. The award will recognize a healthcare professional who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to improving lung health and advancing the prevention, detection, treatment, or understanding of lung cancer and lung disease.
Nominations are open now through Friday, October 2, and community members are encouraged to nominate a deserving physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, nurse or other lung healthcare professional. Those who receive the most nominations will advance to the final round of voting, and the finalist receiving the most votes will be named the 2026 LUNG FORCE Medical Honoree. The honoree will be recognized at the Charleston LUNG FORCE Run/Walk and Charleston Community Connections events and featured on the event website and social media.
“LUNG FORCE is about bringing people together with hope, purpose and a shared commitment to improving the future of lung health,” said LUNG FORCE Run/Walk co-chairs Eleanor Hardy and Elaine Carew. “Whether you’re running for someone you love, walking as a survivor or simply showing up to support the cause, every participant is part of our FORCE.”
The LUNG FORCE Run/Walk begins and ends at the Dunes House in Folly Beach County Park. The 5K will start at 9 am. Participants of all fitness levels and four-legged friends are welcome, with timed results available for runners. For more information and to register, visit LUNGFORCE.org/Charleston.