Proceeds to Fund Groundbreaking Research for a Future Without Breast Cancer
BLOOMFIELD, NJ [September 17, 2026] – The Cure Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to advancing scientific discovery, is inviting families, friends, co-workers and community groups to “grab their squad” and step up for a cure at the inaugural Hope Hustle 5K on Saturday, October 3, 2026. The event coincides with the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, held annually to educate, engage and take action on behalf of women as well as men affected by breast cancer
Hosted in the heart of Essex County at the picturesque Brookdale Park in Bloomfield, NJ, Hope Hustle 5K is bringing together individuals of all ages and athletic abilities. Whether participants are running for a personal best, walking in honor of a loved one, celebrating survivorship or rallying a team of friends to support a neighbor or co-worker touched by breast cancer, every step moves the mission forward.
“The Hope Hustle 5K is all about community, connection and purpose,” said Laela Perkins, executive director of the Cure Breast Cancer Foundation. “Breast cancer touches so many of our lives – our mothers, sisters, friends, colleagues and men. We are encouraging everyone to gather their ‘squads’ – whether that’s a corporate team, a local fitness group, a community or college group or multiple generations of family – and spend a crisp autumn morning together. Every single registration directly fuels scientific research that brings us closer to a cure.”
A Scenic Autumn Course for All Ages and Abilities
Set against the vibrant fall foliage of historic Brookdale Park, the 5K course offers a scenic inner-loop route. It is suited for serious and novice runners as well as casual walkers, families pushing strollers and those who prefer a leisurely walk – perhaps as a milestone “to-do” as part of their survivorship recovery.
The race officially starts adjacent to the park’s softball fields and winds along the inner loop. Throughout the route, participants will pass some of Brookdale Park’s most cherished landmarks, including its dog park, archery field, soccer fields and Brookdale Stadium. The course concludes with a finish line celebration located just south of the Brookdale Park Playground.
The event is being held Saturday, October 3, 2026, with a start time of 8:30 a.m. Hope Hustle registration is open through the day of the event. The fee to participate is $35 for adults, $15 for youth (Ages 6–12) and no charge for children 5 and under. Group and team registration options are available for corporate, civic, and family groups looking to spark some friendly competition for a great cause. Brookdale Park is located at 473 Watchung Ave., Bloomfield, NJ 07003.
As a 501(c)(3) organization, proceeds from the Hope Hustle 5K will fund groundbreaking research initiatives at Memorial Sloan Kettering supported by CBCF. Since its founding in 2007, the foundation has raised over $13 million to support leading research institutions and scientists working to understand how breast cancer develops, spreads and recurs – and how to stop it.
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About the Cure Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF)
Founded in 2007, Cure Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF) is a New Jersey-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to accelerating the discovery of a cure. CBCF funds innovative research conducted by leading scientists and world-renowned medical institutions. Learn more at www.curebreastcancerfoundation.org.