Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Nicholas Pedone Foundation will hold its 13th annual 5K Run/Walk in Glen Cove on Aug. 30, bringing the community together to honor a local boy whose courage continues to inspire support for children battling cancer.
Here are three things to know:
The race falls on Nicholas’s 21st birthday
This year’s event carries special significance because, for the first time, the race will take place on Nicholas Pedone’s birthday. Nicholas, who was born Aug. 30, 2005, would have turned 21 this year.
The Glen Cove boy died May 26, 2013, at age 7 after battling neuroblastoma, a form of childhood cancer. His family established the Nicholas Pedone Foundation that year to preserve his legacy and help other children facing cancer.
Known affectionately as “Sweet Nicholas,” he was remembered for the smile and strength he maintained throughout his illness. His spirit inspired the foundation’s message, “Fight Hard Smile Big.”
His legacy supports children fighting cancer
The Glen Cove-based Nicholas Pedone Foundation provides support to children with cancer and their families.
The organization distributes “smilePAKs” containing gifts and comforting items to children undergoing cancer treatment. It also works with hospitals through its HOP4Kids outreach program and advocates for greater awareness and funding for childhood-cancer research.
The foundation reports that it has raised more than $1.5 million since its establishment. The annual 5K has welcomed more than 8,000 participants over its first 12 years, averaging roughly 750 attendees each year.
The race begins at Glen Cove High School
The event will be held Sunday, Aug. 30, at Glen Cove High School, at 150 Dosoris Lane. Check-in begins at 7 a.m., followed by a children’s fun run at 8:15 and the 5K Run/Walk at 9. Runners and walkers are welcome.
The 3.1-mile course begins in front of the high school, winds through Glen Cove and finishes behind the school near the football field and track. An awards ceremony, music, refreshments and entertainment will follow.
All proceeds will benefit the Nicholas Pedone Foundation. The event also helps usher in September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, with participants encouraged to wear gold, the color representing childhood-cancer awareness.
