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The Confidence Classic Edition:Where Runners Build Belief in Themselves
More than a race. More than a finish line.
The Confidence Classic is a celebration of courage, growth, and believing in what is possible. Whether you're running the Kids Run, the 5K, or participating virtually, every step helps build belief—in yourself and in children around the world who are overcoming challenges every day. Register today and be part of the movement. |
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CHOOSE YOUR RACE CATEGORY
KIDS 1K RUNGreat for beginner runners (ages 4–12)—short, fun, and encouraging!Parents are encouraged to walk or run alongside our youngest participants for support and fun. NEW finisher medals awarded this year for ALL finishers plus Top 3 Pup Awards! Let your little one cross the finish line, earn their medal, and be celebrated for their accomplishment.
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5K RUN | WALK
New race route and Pup Division this year! Choose from timed or untimed options—welcoming individual and team participants of all ages and abilities. All finishers receive a finisher medal, and award ceremonies will feature age-group awards in all age categories, Top 3 Pup Awards, plus Ultimate Top Male and Ultimate Top Female trophies.
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VIRTUAL RACE
Race with us from anywhere! Our Virtual Race allows individuals and team participants of all ages and abilities to join the fun from their favorite neighborhood, trail, park, or treadmill. Virtual participants will receive a race kit mailed, including this year's official race shirt and finisher medal. From anywhere, every step counts. Celebrate your finish and believe in what you can achieve.
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Why We Run
Because confidence starts with believing.
Believing you can finish.
Believing you can make a difference.
Believing every child deserves the opportunity to smile, speak, and thrive.
At the CleftStrong Confidence Classic, runners aren't just crossing a finish line.
They're building belief in themselves.
Believing you can finish.
Believing you can make a difference.
Believing every child deserves the opportunity to smile, speak, and thrive.
At the CleftStrong Confidence Classic, runners aren't just crossing a finish line.
They're building belief in themselves.
Our Mission
CleftStrong is a volunteer-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that no family has to navigate a cleft or craniofacial journey alone. Through our annual CleftStrong 5k and Kids 1k, we raise funds to support the work of the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA), helping advance cleft research, patient care, and education for families and healthcare professionals. We also support our impact partner, LEAP Global Missions, helping provide life-changing cleft surgeries and specialized care for children around the world. Along the way, we connect families with trusted resources, foster a supportive community, and offer encouragement -- because every family deserves hope and the reminder that they are never alone.
Our Impact
❤️ Supporting Families
🏃♀️ Annual CleftStrong 5k and Kids 1k
🌎 Supporting ACPA and LEAP Global Missions
Get Involved
Join the 5k & Kids 1k
Support our Mission
Learn More about Our Impact Partners
Become a Community Partner
CleftStrong is a volunteer-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that no family has to navigate a cleft or craniofacial journey alone. Through our annual CleftStrong 5k and Kids 1k, we raise funds to support the work of the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA), helping advance cleft research, patient care, and education for families and healthcare professionals. We also support our impact partner, LEAP Global Missions, helping provide life-changing cleft surgeries and specialized care for children around the world. Along the way, we connect families with trusted resources, foster a supportive community, and offer encouragement -- because every family deserves hope and the reminder that they are never alone.
Our Impact
❤️ Supporting Families
🏃♀️ Annual CleftStrong 5k and Kids 1k
🌎 Supporting ACPA and LEAP Global Missions
Get Involved
Join the 5k & Kids 1k
Support our Mission
Learn More about Our Impact Partners
Become a Community Partner
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Two Missions. One Incredible Impact.
Race for Awareness. Fundraise for Global Impact.
How You Make an Impact:
🏃 Register
Your race registration supports ACPA.
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💙 Fundraise
Your Kickstart Confidence 25 Challenge supports LEAP Global Missions.
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🌎 Change Lives
Together, we help children access cleft care and support.
🏃 Register
Your race registration supports ACPA.
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💙 Fundraise
Your Kickstart Confidence 25 Challenge supports LEAP Global Missions.
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🌎 Change Lives
Together, we help children access cleft care and support.
👟 Your Registration Changes Lives
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🤝 Your Fundraising Changes Lives
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100% of race registration proceeds support the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA).
Your registration helps advance: 💙 Patient care 🔬 Medical research 📚 Education and resources 🤝 Support for individuals and families affected by cleft and craniofacial conditions Every registration helps ensure patients and families have access to the care, information, and support they need throughout their cleft journey. |
Want to make an even bigger impact?
Join the Kickstart Confidence 25 Challenge and fundraise to support LEAP Global Missions, providing specialized cleft surgeries and ongoing care for children around the world. Since 1991: 🌎 35 years of service ❤️ 11,000+ free surgeries and procedures ✈️ 486 surgeries and procedures in 2025 🌍 11 international missions in 2025 Learn More about LEAP Global Missions here. |
Kick Start Confidence Fundraising Challenge
Every $25 Builds Belief
Fundraising starts with just $25.
Every person who raises $25 unlocks a Confidence Starter Pack and moves closer to exciting rewards.
Fundraising starts with just $25.
Every person who raises $25 unlocks a Confidence Starter Pack and moves closer to exciting rewards.
$25
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$100
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$250
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🏆 Top In-Person Fundraising Team
Presented on race day to the team that unlocks the most Confidence Builders through fundraising. Team receives:
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🌎 Top Virtual Fundraising Team
Recognizing the virtual team that unlocks the most Confidence Builders from anywhere in the world. Team receives:
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Together, we're helping children gain access to life-changing cleft care while building confidence and leadership skills in our own community.
Goal Tracker
$250 = Helps Fund One Surgery
$500 = Helps Fund Two Surgeries
$1,000 = Helps Fund Four Surgeries
$2,500 = Helps Fund Ten Surgeries
$250 = Helps Fund One Surgery
$500 = Helps Fund Two Surgeries
$1,000 = Helps Fund Four Surgeries
$2,500 = Helps Fund Ten Surgeries
Every $25 Builds Confidence
Your fundraising supports LEAP Global Missions and helps provide cleft care to children who need it most.
🍼 $25
Provides a specialty feeding bottle for a baby with a cleft lip or palate.
🧸 $100
Provides 10 post-operative care totes with blankets and comfort items.
👶 $250
Helps fund a cleft lip or cleft palate surgery during a LEAP Global Missions medical mission.
🍼 $25
Provides a specialty feeding bottle for a baby with a cleft lip or palate.
🧸 $100
Provides 10 post-operative care totes with blankets and comfort items.
👶 $250
Helps fund a cleft lip or cleft palate surgery during a LEAP Global Missions medical mission.
Takes less than 2 minutes to get started.
Start Strong. Build Confidence. Change Lives.
Meet the Children behind the Mission
A cleft diagnosis is only the beginning of a child's story.
Through specialized surgical care, children like Li Ying have received the treatment they needed to grow, learn, and thrive.
Li Ying was born with a rare and severe craniofacial cleft. After years of specialized care and multiple surgeries, she is now a college graduate actively involved in her community.
Your fundraising helps create more stories of confidence and hope.
Through specialized surgical care, children like Li Ying have received the treatment they needed to grow, learn, and thrive.
Li Ying was born with a rare and severe craniofacial cleft. After years of specialized care and multiple surgeries, she is now a college graduate actively involved in her community.
Your fundraising helps create more stories of confidence and hope.
🐾 NEW THIS YEAR! Richie’s Pup Division
Bring your favorite four-legged friend and join the fun! Well-behaved, friendly, leashed dogs are welcome to participate in both the 5K and 1K Kids Run (with an adult).
All pups are welcome to join the event at no additional cost. Want your pup to compete? Add the Pup Division Award Challenge (+$5 during registration) to make your furry teammate eligible for awards.
For the timed Pup Division Award Challenge:
- The registered adult participant must have an official timed race bib.
- Your pup’s finish time will be based on the registered owner’s official chip time.
- Only pups registered for the $5 timed challenge will be eligible for awards.
🐾 Top 3 Pup Awards will be recognized in both divisions:
5K Pup Division
⭐ 1st Place
🎉 2nd Place
🏁 3rd Place
1K Kids Run Pup Division (with adult)
⭐ 1st Place
🎉 2nd Place
🏁 3rd Place
How It Works🐾 Register for the 5K or 1K Kids Run
🐾 Select the Pup Division Award Challenge during registration (optional +$5)
🐾 Provide your pup’s name and details
🐾 Dogs must remain leashed and under their owner’s control throughout the event
Every registered pup will receive a special Richie’s Pup item to celebrate being part of the event! 🐾
Dog Owner Acknowledgment: By participating, you agree your dog is well-behaved, current on vaccinations, remains leashed, and is your responsibility throughout the event.
Whether you're running your first 1K, chasing a PR in the 5K, or bringing your favorite four-legged friend, every step helps build confidence for children and families facing craniofacial and cleft conditions.
NEW This Year: Parent + Child Duo Costume Contest: Superhero in Training Theme 🦸♀️🦸♂️
Confidence grows with support—and every superhero needs someone in their corner!
This year, we’re adding a NEW Parent + Child Duo Costume Contest! Grab your cape, partner up, and show us what teamwork, encouragement, and confidence look like.
Our theme: Superhero in Training
Think: a superhero-in-training and their coach, mentor, trainer, or biggest supporter. Create a fun duo costume that celebrates the power of believing in each other—just like Captain Confidence!
The winning adult/child duo will be recognized during our race-day award ceremony and celebrated for bringing creativity, positivity, and superhero spirit to the finish line.
Contest Rules:
Who will be crowned the ultimate Superhero in Training Duo?
Dress as a duo and show us what confidence, courage, and self-belief mean to your family.
Confidence grows with support—and every superhero needs someone in their corner!
This year, we’re adding a NEW Parent + Child Duo Costume Contest! Grab your cape, partner up, and show us what teamwork, encouragement, and confidence look like.
Our theme: Superhero in Training
Think: a superhero-in-training and their coach, mentor, trainer, or biggest supporter. Create a fun duo costume that celebrates the power of believing in each other—just like Captain Confidence!
The winning adult/child duo will be recognized during our race-day award ceremony and celebrated for bringing creativity, positivity, and superhero spirit to the finish line.
Contest Rules:
- Must be a parent/adult + child duo
- Must follow the Superhero in Training theme
- Both participants must be present on race day to win
- Costumes should be family-friendly and safe for running/walking
- Creativity, positive energy, and teamwork will help your duo stand out
- Bonus points for an unforgettable finish line crossing moment!
Who will be crowned the ultimate Superhero in Training Duo?
Dress as a duo and show us what confidence, courage, and self-belief mean to your family.
EVENT SPONSORS
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is CleftStrong 5K & Confidence Classic Kids 1K?
CleftStrong is a community race celebrating confidence, courage, and connection while supporting children with craniofacial and cleft conditions requiring specialized care. Whether you run, walk, cheer, volunteer, or fundraise — every step makes an impact.
When is the event?
Sunday, October 4, 2026
Where is the event located?
Eisenhower Park in San Antonio, Tx + virtually around the world
What race options are available?
Participants can choose from:
When does registration open?
We host an early access registration from July 1 through July 14 for subscribed members and past participants. General public Early Bird Registration opens July 15 and runs through August 21. Standard registration begins August 22. Late registration begins September 19.
Is there a deadline to register online?
Online Registration remains open for the San Antonio event through 11 am CST, September 30, while space and race items are available.
Online Virtual Registration remains open through 11 am CST, August 21.
Can I register on race day?
Yes, limited registration will be available on site at the race, beginning at 7 am CST and will run on first come, first serve basis.
Can I transfer my registration to someone else?
Yes, based on current prices and through August 7th.
Can I switch from the 5K to the 1K or vice versa?
Yes, based on current prices and through August 7th.
What is your refund policy?
Unfortunately, we can not offer refunds. Please make sure to pick up your race goodies either at early or race day packet pick up! We allow transfers and certain participant edits through 11 am CST on August 21, 2026 with no additional fee. Please note all race kit deadlines that are specified under your entry option.
Race Shirts & Participant Items
Will I receive a race shirt?
To guarantee your requested shirt size and race kit items, please register by August 21. After this date, we will do our best to accommodate requests, but sizes and items cannot be guaranteed.
Do all finishers receive a medal?
Yes! All participants who cross the finish line will receive a commemorative finisher medal.
🐾 Pup Division
Can I bring my dog?
Yes! Friendly, well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome to participate in both the 5K and 1K Kids Run (with an adult).
Does bringing my pup cost extra?
No. Pups are welcome to participate at no additional cost.
How does the Pup Division Award Challenge work?
Participants may add the optional Pup Division Award Challenge (+$5) during registration for their pup to be eligible for awards.
How is my pup’s time calculated?
Your pup’s finish time is based on the registered adult participant’s official chip time. The adult must have an official timed race bib.
Are Pup Awards given for both races?
Yes! Top 3 Pup Awards will be recognized in both the 5K and 1K divisions.
Are there rules for participating with a dog?
Yes. Dogs must remain leashed on a non-retractable leash, under owner control, and owners are responsible for their dog’s safety, behavior, and cleanup.
👟 Kids 1K
Who can participate in the Kids 1K?
The Confidence Classic Kids 1K is designed for young runners. Children ages 4–12 are eligible for official timed results and awards.
Can parents participate with their child?
Yes! Parents and guardians are encouraged to participate alongside younger runners to help make the experience fun and memorable.
Do kids receive a finisher medal?
Yes! Every Kids 1K finisher receives a commemorative medal.
Timing & Awards
Will the race be timed?
Yes! The San Antonio 5K and eligible Kids 1K participants will receive official timed results.
Are awards given?
Yes! Awards will be based on official finish times at the San Antonio 5k and Kids 1k event.
Overall top participants will receive trophies in the 5k and Kids 1k races. Top 3 M/F in all 5k age categories will receive race medals. All will be acknowledged during the awards ceremony post-race.
Additional awards will be given to:
Best Parent/Child Duo Costume winners
Top In Person Team with the most Confidence Builders unlocked ($25 donations)
Top Virtual Fundraising Team with the most Confidence Builders unlocked ($25 donations)
Largest Kids 1k Team
Largest 5k Team
Top 3 Pup 5k and 1k Finishers
Virtual Race
How does the virtual race work?
Complete your distance wherever you are, then celebrate being part of the CleftStrong community!
Do virtual participants receive race items?
Yes, race packets will be mailed mid September to participants registered for the Virtual 5k|Kids1k Event.
Fundraising
Can I fundraise as part of my registration?
Yes! Join the Kickstart Confidence 25 Challenge as an individual donor or a fundraising team to begin raising funds and reach milestone awards!
Can my company create a team?
Yes! Corporate and community teams are welcome. See Sponsor details to learn about the Corporate Team Sponsorship option.
Where do race registration proceeds and fundraising dollars go?Race registration proceeds:
100% support the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA) to advance cleft and craniofacial patient care, research, education, and family support.
Kickstart Confidence 25 fundraising:
Funds raised through participant fundraising support LEAP Global Missions and their work providing cleft surgeries and specialized care around the world.
Volunteers
How can I volunteer?
We would love your help! Please see our Volunteer Registration Page for more information.
Weather & Safety
What happens if there is bad weather?
The event will take place rain or shine unless safety conditions require changes.
Are strollers allowed?
Yes. Please use caution and start toward the back of your race/walk area.
What are some important race route rules?
Always stay on the right side of the trail - going and coming back.
Out of respect for elite runners who train hard each year and chose our event to run competitively, please be aware of those who are coming from behind you and trying to pass you.
Please pay attention and abide by the announced safety line up at the start of your race. It is announced for the safety of all of our participants. Please always let those who run at a 4-6 min per mile pace line up in front of you for safety reasons. Please always remain aware of your surroundings as it is an active trail including our race participants and the general public.
Please be sure to listen to our race route managers and cyclists who are guiding the route for your safety.
If you see someone who needs help along the route, please let the closest volunteer race marshal know.
Contact
Have another question?
Contact us here.
We can't wait to see you at the starting line! 💛
CleftStrong is a community race celebrating confidence, courage, and connection while supporting children with craniofacial and cleft conditions requiring specialized care. Whether you run, walk, cheer, volunteer, or fundraise — every step makes an impact.
When is the event?
Sunday, October 4, 2026
Where is the event located?
Eisenhower Park in San Antonio, Tx + virtually around the world
What race options are available?
Participants can choose from:
- 5K Run/Walk Individual | Team
- 1K Confidence Classic Kids Run Individual | Team
- Virtual Race Option
- Digital Virtual Race Option
- Optional Pup Division Award Challenge
When does registration open?
We host an early access registration from July 1 through July 14 for subscribed members and past participants. General public Early Bird Registration opens July 15 and runs through August 21. Standard registration begins August 22. Late registration begins September 19.
Is there a deadline to register online?
Online Registration remains open for the San Antonio event through 11 am CST, September 30, while space and race items are available.
Online Virtual Registration remains open through 11 am CST, August 21.
Can I register on race day?
Yes, limited registration will be available on site at the race, beginning at 7 am CST and will run on first come, first serve basis.
Can I transfer my registration to someone else?
Yes, based on current prices and through August 7th.
Can I switch from the 5K to the 1K or vice versa?
Yes, based on current prices and through August 7th.
What is your refund policy?
Unfortunately, we can not offer refunds. Please make sure to pick up your race goodies either at early or race day packet pick up! We allow transfers and certain participant edits through 11 am CST on August 21, 2026 with no additional fee. Please note all race kit deadlines that are specified under your entry option.
Race Shirts & Participant Items
Will I receive a race shirt?
To guarantee your requested shirt size and race kit items, please register by August 21. After this date, we will do our best to accommodate requests, but sizes and items cannot be guaranteed.
Do all finishers receive a medal?
Yes! All participants who cross the finish line will receive a commemorative finisher medal.
🐾 Pup Division
Can I bring my dog?
Yes! Friendly, well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome to participate in both the 5K and 1K Kids Run (with an adult).
Does bringing my pup cost extra?
No. Pups are welcome to participate at no additional cost.
How does the Pup Division Award Challenge work?
Participants may add the optional Pup Division Award Challenge (+$5) during registration for their pup to be eligible for awards.
How is my pup’s time calculated?
Your pup’s finish time is based on the registered adult participant’s official chip time. The adult must have an official timed race bib.
Are Pup Awards given for both races?
Yes! Top 3 Pup Awards will be recognized in both the 5K and 1K divisions.
Are there rules for participating with a dog?
Yes. Dogs must remain leashed on a non-retractable leash, under owner control, and owners are responsible for their dog’s safety, behavior, and cleanup.
👟 Kids 1K
Who can participate in the Kids 1K?
The Confidence Classic Kids 1K is designed for young runners. Children ages 4–12 are eligible for official timed results and awards.
Can parents participate with their child?
Yes! Parents and guardians are encouraged to participate alongside younger runners to help make the experience fun and memorable.
Do kids receive a finisher medal?
Yes! Every Kids 1K finisher receives a commemorative medal.
Timing & Awards
Will the race be timed?
Yes! The San Antonio 5K and eligible Kids 1K participants will receive official timed results.
Are awards given?
Yes! Awards will be based on official finish times at the San Antonio 5k and Kids 1k event.
Overall top participants will receive trophies in the 5k and Kids 1k races. Top 3 M/F in all 5k age categories will receive race medals. All will be acknowledged during the awards ceremony post-race.
Additional awards will be given to:
Best Parent/Child Duo Costume winners
Top In Person Team with the most Confidence Builders unlocked ($25 donations)
Top Virtual Fundraising Team with the most Confidence Builders unlocked ($25 donations)
Largest Kids 1k Team
Largest 5k Team
Top 3 Pup 5k and 1k Finishers
Virtual Race
How does the virtual race work?
Complete your distance wherever you are, then celebrate being part of the CleftStrong community!
Do virtual participants receive race items?
Yes, race packets will be mailed mid September to participants registered for the Virtual 5k|Kids1k Event.
Fundraising
Can I fundraise as part of my registration?
Yes! Join the Kickstart Confidence 25 Challenge as an individual donor or a fundraising team to begin raising funds and reach milestone awards!
Can my company create a team?
Yes! Corporate and community teams are welcome. See Sponsor details to learn about the Corporate Team Sponsorship option.
Where do race registration proceeds and fundraising dollars go?Race registration proceeds:
100% support the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA) to advance cleft and craniofacial patient care, research, education, and family support.
Kickstart Confidence 25 fundraising:
Funds raised through participant fundraising support LEAP Global Missions and their work providing cleft surgeries and specialized care around the world.
Volunteers
How can I volunteer?
We would love your help! Please see our Volunteer Registration Page for more information.
Weather & Safety
What happens if there is bad weather?
The event will take place rain or shine unless safety conditions require changes.
Are strollers allowed?
Yes. Please use caution and start toward the back of your race/walk area.
What are some important race route rules?
Always stay on the right side of the trail - going and coming back.
Out of respect for elite runners who train hard each year and chose our event to run competitively, please be aware of those who are coming from behind you and trying to pass you.
Please pay attention and abide by the announced safety line up at the start of your race. It is announced for the safety of all of our participants. Please always let those who run at a 4-6 min per mile pace line up in front of you for safety reasons. Please always remain aware of your surroundings as it is an active trail including our race participants and the general public.
Please be sure to listen to our race route managers and cyclists who are guiding the route for your safety.
If you see someone who needs help along the route, please let the closest volunteer race marshal know.
Contact
Have another question?
Contact us here.
We can't wait to see you at the starting line! 💛
