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Because of your generosity and donations during the 12th Annual CleftStrong 5K, Methodist Children’s Hospital will be receiving pre-surgical DynaCleft Positioning Strips and Nasal Elevators to provide at no cost to cleft families.
These products are used prior to surgery to help prepare a baby’s lip and nose for cleft lip repair. The gentle tension from the medical-grade silicone helps reposition the lip and surrounding tissues, while the DynaCleft Nasal Elevators lift and support the nose. Together, they improve both the cosmetic and functional outcomes of a child’s first cleft lip surgery. Although these devices are not covered by insurance, they play a critical role in improving surgical results and overall function. Thanks to your support, families will have access to these important tools during a crucial stage of their child’s care. Thank you for standing with our cleft families and helping provide care that goes beyond what insurance covers. Your generosity is making a meaningful difference—giving babies a stronger start and helping families feel supported every step of the way. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest on new programs and events, important updates, and stories that show how your support is making an impact.
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 Hello everyone, Chelsea here! Our 5K is more than a walk or a run — it’s a reminder to families that they are never alone Not just physically, but emotionally too.
As the Founder and Director of CleftStrong, I’m deeply passionate about supporting children beyond the medical journey. That’s why I offer separate mindset coaching programs designed to help kids feel strong on the inside as they navigate school, friendships, and everyday challenges. Just a gentle note for clarity: CleftStrong is a nonprofit organization, and all mindset coaching programs I offer are completely separate from the nonprofit. Participation in coaching is optional and not connected to CleftStrong services, events, or fundraising in any way. Families often say that they wish they had these tools before middle school. That’s exactly why working with children in this way matters so much to me. I’m especially excited to share that something very close to my heart is coming soon: Rooted and Brave: Staying Steady Under Pressure — a mindset program created just for kids. If this feels like something that could support your child, you’re welcome to learn more through the sign-up link below or reach out to me confidentially. If you’d like to stay in the loop as this program comes to life, learn about upcoming coaching opportunities that may support your kiddo, and receive free, age-appropriate mindset tips straight to your inbox, I’d love for you to join us. As a special bonus, you’ll also receive a free coaching story you can read with your child right away. Optional Coaching Resources Sign Up (separate from CleftStrong) Thank you for being part of this journey and community — it truly means so much! Confidence and Resilience Resources for Families Warmly, Chelsea Ortiz Founder & Executive Director, CleftStrong Race Director, CleftStrong 5K  What an Amazing Day at the CleftStrong 5K & Kids 1K - A Home Run for Hope and Awareness! What a beautiful day it was for the CleftStrong 5K & Kids 1K Presented by Christus Children's Hospital! The energy was electric, the smiles were contagious, and the teamwork from every participant, donor, sponsor, and volunteer knocked it out of the park - making the day truly unforgettable. We saw incredible teams of support, awesome baseball uniforms, and so much heart. Together — with generous donors, sponsors, volunteers, and approximately 400 registrants — we raised a little over $13,300 in support of the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association's (ACPA) mission to advance cleft and craniofacial medical research and patient care this year - bringing our grand total contribution to the ACPA more than $187,600.00! Additionally, participants rallied together on the sidelines to raise $900.00 in direct support of patient families in need at two of our cleft and craniofacial teams here in San Antonio - bringing our hometown total to an impressive $9,706.70 over the years. A solid hit for local families! Thank you for always showing partnership and compassion! Christus Children's stepped up to the plate as the 2025 CleftStrong 5k Presenting Sponsor - marking their 8th year in the lineup and bringing their total contribution to an incredible $40,000 to help make this event a home run for the community. This year's event spanned the nation with runners and supporters rounding the bases virtually from Louisiana to New York, North Carolina to Nevada, and beyond - covering 14 states in all! Meanwhile, our hometown team gathered at Eisenhower Park in San Antonio, Texas on Sunday, October 12, 2025, to celebrate together. Thank you to all who joined, near and far, to help us hit another season out of the park - deepening understanding of cleft conditions and celebrating the strength of our shared community.  Just a few CleftStrong 5k Teams, including Virtual Coordinator, Sara Garber and family, pictured above! We’re thrilled to celebrate some standout achievements: 🏆 Highest Fundraising Team: Riley’s Runners 👟 Largest Kids 1K Team: MP Runs 👟 Largest 5K Team: Manny’s Minions 🎭 Best Child Costume: Maddilynn Poncho 🎭 Best Adult Costume: Andrea's League 🥇 Top Male 5K Finisher: Ceasar Garcia at 19:51.5 🥇 Top Female 5K Finisher: Jennifer Marx at 27:30.7 Please click here to view a complete list of all 5k placement winners. Please click here to view a complete list of all Kids 1k placement winners. To all of our finishers — CONGRATULATIONS on crossing the finish line and making a difference! We hope you enjoyed every step of the way. Special Highlights from This Year’s CleftStrong 5K & Kids 1K We were honored to welcome three incredible guests at this year’s event:
 Additionally, it was a very special pleasure to welcome back the Hidden Forest Falcon Singers from Northeast Independent School District for their fifth year presenting a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem. Their voices set a heartfelt and patriotic tone to kick off race day for us. 🎶 We were also honored to have Dr. Nikolas Amini, Board-Certified Orthodontist, ACPA Member, and Orthodontist on the Methodist Children's Hospital Cleft/Craniofacial Team, lead our participants in an energizing pre-race warm-up! Dr. Amini helped get everyone moving and ready to hit the course. 🏃♀️💪  Without a doubt, a huge thank you to our incredible volunteers and sponsors who made this event possible. CleftStrong is a 100% volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit - an all-star team of kind-hearted individuals who step up to the plate year after year. Thanks to their dedication, every dollar raised goes toward the cause. To our one-of-a-kind committee - thank you for all of your extra time and hard work to make this event happen! 2025 CleftStrong 5k Committee Chairs: Sarah Garber - Virtual Race + Social Coordinator Gloria Madera - Emcee Ashley Snyder - Kids Zone and Run Coordinator Brittany Roohan - Awards Coordinator Trish Ryan - Course Marshal Coordinator Stephanie Hernandez - Sign in and Registration Coordinator Analia Rivera - Volunteer Central and Welcome Coordinator Hector Hernandez - Set up and Take Down Coordinator Jeremy and Cecile Montanez- Decorating Coordinators Josh and Christina Rivera - Fundraising Coordinators Looking forward to YEAR 13! 💬 Be sure to SIGN UP to stay tuned for next year’s race details! Happy Holidays! Ray and Chelsea Ortiz @cleftstrong5k | #CleftStrong5K www.cleftstrong5k.com  When our cleft journey began in 2013, we placed our trust in God’s hands. Never did we imagine that His plan would guide us into organizing a race and building such a wonderful community. We are so thankful for the amazing friendships formed along the way. Here’s to another year of strength, hope, and unity. With love, from our family to yours. Stay strong! THANK YOU TO OUR 2025 SPONSORS  If you would like to be a part of next year's event, please contact us here. Did you know that a happy review from an awesome 5ker like you, goes a long way in helping others feel confident joining our race and supporting cleft and craniofacial medical journeys all around? If you have a few seconds, we sure would appreciate your review! Thank you for your support! Find Reliable ACPA Resources for your Cleft Journey Here! Official race photos from our exclusive in kind volunteer photographer, Jay Visuals Media Production, available here! Thanks to Jay Visuals, these photos are now free to download! We truly appreciate your support.  JOIN US THIS FEBRUARY FOR A FREE 8 WORKSHOP SERIES AS WE LAY THE FOUNDATION MINDSET SKILLS FOR TWEENS MAKING THE TRANSITION FROM ELEMENTARY TO MIDDLE SCHOOL. RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY!
February 23, 2025 - WORKSHOP #1 SKILL BOOK 1: HOW YOUR MIND SHAPES YOUR WORLD (online workshop) For tweens nearing middle school 2/23/25 @ 6:30-7:15 pm CST About: How kids feel about themselves is shaped by what kids believe about themselves - both on the conscious level and on the subconscious level. When kids learn how to uncover negative beliefs and then shift them to supportive beliefs, they become empowered to handle the ups and downs of growing up without getting down on themselves. The coaching story, Who’s Flying Your Plane, helps kids understand how their mind shapes their world and what they can do to shape their mind!
do you know someone who might benefit from this workshop?Need more details? Click here to learn more about this free workshop!
 HATS OFF.... |
| Amini Ortho Archie the Cleftie Blend Caspian's Crew Christus Children's Cleft Jam Everett the Mega Star Falcons Soar Firsties Florida Craniofacial Institute Helladela Jack Attack Jogging 4 Jonas Kayce's Pit Crew Team Lopez Maddi P Maddilynn | Methodist Children's Hospital Miles for Smiles - NC Navy Fed 5kers Olivanders Mischief Meanders Richie's 5kers Ricky Ray Strong Riley's Runners Sade's Journey Santiago is Strong Sloth Team SMILE Team Analia Team Easton Team Stolt Total Knox Out UT Health San Antonio Pediatric Dentistry |
Shout out to Girl Scout Troop 5086 for cheering on all those running for cleft conditions on October 8th! Thank you for helping us make this morning special.
Great thanks to Winston Churchill Cross Country for coming out to support our 5k this year! These amazing volunteers arrived well before sun up and stayed well past the closure of our event to lend a hand in any way they could! Thank you Coach Bonner for presenting this option to your students and coordinating their amazing work. You are an amazing leader and have an amazing group of ladies surrounding you!
A heartfelt thank you to this year's Emcee and fellow mom in the cleft community, former TV News Anchor and Reporter, and current Public Relations Specialist for Presenting Sponsor Christus Children's and Christus Santa Rosa Health System, Mrs. Gloria Madera and her beautiful family including the adorable Archie! #TeamArchieStrong
As always, thank you to Dr. Garcia de Mitchell, Dr. Peter Wang and the Cleft and Craniofacial Teams at Christus Children's, and Methodist Children's for the dedication, love and support every one of you bring to the cleft and Craniofacial community -- in and outside of the medical setting over the past 10 years. You are our heroes!
2023 CleftStrong Virtual racers included those from Minnesota, Colorado, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, New York, North Carolina, Utah, Michigan, California, Massachusetts, Maryland, Ohio, Washington, Iowa, Florida, Alabama, Minnesota, and Arizona! Wow!! We were with you in spirit all the way from San Antonio, Texas and loved seeing the pictures come our way. If you haven't already, please send some pictures our way to @cleftstrong5k and/or #cleftstrong5k!
To all of our participants personally connected to the cause all around the country, this was your day to remember the strength you gained, the victories you have made, and the love in this world. We hope that you store the memories from this morning in a special place in your heart for many years to come. To all of our participants who are not personally connected to the cause and came to support, we know there are many worthy causes to support. We thank you for choosing ours on October 8th and we hope you enjoyed. You make the world a better place!
To all of our participants personally connected to the cause all around the country, this was your day to remember the strength you gained, the victories you have made, and the love in this world. We hope that you store the memories from this morning in a special place in your heart for many years to come. To all of our participants who are not personally connected to the cause and came to support, we know there are many worthy causes to support. We thank you for choosing ours on October 8th and we hope you enjoyed. You make the world a better place!
To our corporate sponsors and personal donors, thank you for believing in our mission and choosing our organization to support! If you would like to be a part of next year's event, please contact us here. Thank you for making this event possible and successful in its mission!
We would like to recognize and thank the amazing 2023 5k Volunteer Committee for bringing their A+ game every step of the way to put this event together in such a fun and organized way with their team of volunteers! Each one of our Committee Chairs volunteer months of their time to make this event all that it is and we value their dedication always.
2023 CleftStrong 5k Committee Chairs:
Sarah Garber - Virtual Race + Social Coordinator
Gloria Madera - Emcee and Public Relations Coordinator
Ashley Snyder - Kids Zone and Run Coordinator
Brittany Roohan - Awards Coordinator
Stephanie Hernandez - Sign in and Registration Coordinator
Cristina Munoz - Volunteer Central and Welcome Coordinator
Hector Hernandez - Set up and Take Down Coordinator
Analia Rivera - Family in Need Raffle Sale Coordinator
Cecile Montanez- Decorating Coordinator
2023 CleftStrong 5k Committee Chairs:
Sarah Garber - Virtual Race + Social Coordinator
Gloria Madera - Emcee and Public Relations Coordinator
Ashley Snyder - Kids Zone and Run Coordinator
Brittany Roohan - Awards Coordinator
Stephanie Hernandez - Sign in and Registration Coordinator
Cristina Munoz - Volunteer Central and Welcome Coordinator
Hector Hernandez - Set up and Take Down Coordinator
Analia Rivera - Family in Need Raffle Sale Coordinator
Cecile Montanez- Decorating Coordinator
Looking forward to YEAR 11!
Ray and Chelsea Ortiz
CleftStrong Co-Founders & Race Directors
Ray and Chelsea Ortiz
CleftStrong Co-Founders & Race Directors
When our cleft journey began back in 2013, we asked God to take the wheel. We would have never imagined that He would take us into the unfamiliar territory of directing a race. We thank God that we have met amazing friends like you all through His ultimate plan. Here's to moving forward even stronger another year! We send our love from our family to yours!
and speaking of the 11th annual cleft strong 5k...
we can't wait!
get a head start &
be the first to register here!
Did you know that a happy review from an awesome 5ker like you, goes a long way in helping others feel confident joining our race and supporting cleft and craniofacial medical journeys all around? If you have a few seconds, we sure would appreciate your review!
CleftStrong 5k Reviews Here
Thank you for your support!
CleftStrong 5k Reviews Here
Thank you for your support!
Official race photos from our exclusive in kind volunteer photographer, Requena Photography available here! Requena Photography has made these images accessible and downloadable for you free of cost for the cause!)
Additional race photos can be found here! Photos made available to you by CleftStrong 5k Committee Member, Patricia Espinoza!
Additional race photos can be found here! Photos made available to you by CleftStrong 5k Committee Member, Patricia Espinoza!
Great thanks to everyone who joined the 9th annual CleftStrong 5k Benefiting the American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA). The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio and Ortiz & Law, P.C. were the 2022 CleftStrong 5k Presenting sponsors, making this the 5th year that the Children’s Hospital of San Antonio has presented our annual event, donating a total of $25,000.00 to make this event successful for the community! This event was held virtually across the states and in San Antonio, Tx on Saturday, October 8, 2022 at McAllister Park! It was a year of celebrating many victories just as in years past, however this year included an overdue return to our in person 5k/kids fun run + virtual race combination event! It was as if we were asked to dial up the weather here in San Antonio, Texas. The fall season smiled this morning and the sun shined through! We are excited to say that we hit our 2nd all time highest online registration record this year and welcomed a little over 300 people on site at our in person event in San Antonio, Texas! Proceeds from this year's event will be announced as soon as they are confirmed.
All proceeds raised from the annual Cleftstrong5k support advancing cleft and craniofacial medical research and patient care. Several familiar smiles, and many new ones joined this year with great enthusiasm, pride and a sense of togetherness.
All proceeds raised from the annual Cleftstrong5k support advancing cleft and craniofacial medical research and patient care. Several familiar smiles, and many new ones joined this year with great enthusiasm, pride and a sense of togetherness.
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Some special highlights this year included welcoming Ms. Cris Daskevich, CEO of The Children's Hospital of San Antonio. Ms. Daskevich welcomed participants, lead everyone in an opening prayer, and shared an inspirational message of bravery during the cleft medical journey that matched the many brave faces she saw looking around the park. CleftStrong sends a heartfelt thank you to Ms. Daskevich for being a special part of this morning with us. CleftStrong also had the pleasure of welcoming ACPA Development Manager, Ms. Charlene Bell to San Antonio, Texas for a second year. She, too, shared an inspiring message on the importance of caring for others and accepting others for who they are, including how they look. She spoke of the amazing heroes she gets to work alongside everyday with ACPA. She also spoke of the diligent work put forth toward research, clinical innovations, and the interdisciplinary care teams that ensure treatment is on track to provide the "best possible surgical, therapeutic and emotional outcomes" for each unique medical journey. As always, we send our sincerest appreciation to the AmericanCleft Palate-Craniofacial Association and ACPA Family Services for their passion to create a world where people with cleft and craniofacial conditions THRIVE! To connect with ACPA Family Services and the resources they provide for the craniofacial community, click here.
It was a very special pleasure to welcome the Hidden Forest Falcon singers from NEISD to present this year's National Anthem for a second year, Mr. Brendan Soliz who led our participants in a race warm up, Mr. Gene Rodrigues who donated his time and 1950’s car to complete our Grease Lightning fun, and Yusuf Mehdawi who led his fellow friends on the cleft journey in a chant of positive affirmations and bravery just before our official "GO" time. Thank you all for your leadership and for volunteering your time!
It was a very special pleasure to welcome the Hidden Forest Falcon singers from NEISD to present this year's National Anthem for a second year, Mr. Brendan Soliz who led our participants in a race warm up, Mr. Gene Rodrigues who donated his time and 1950’s car to complete our Grease Lightning fun, and Yusuf Mehdawi who led his fellow friends on the cleft journey in a chant of positive affirmations and bravery just before our official "GO" time. Thank you all for your leadership and for volunteering your time!
There were several booth vendors ready to greet our participants this year! From ACPA, Culturingua, and Military AC and Heating, to The Owl's Haven - Child Life Coaching Services, Standard of Athletics, Navy Federal Credit Union, and Presenting sponsor, The Children's Hospital of San Antonio. We also had SA Curbside Eats Food Truck ready with breakfast items and our long time returning Volunteer, Brian Silva, who worked hard to paint the faces of some of our youngest supporters!
Congratulations to all 2022 CleftStrong 5k race winners this year. Mr. Alexander Kelly finished as the Top Overall Male Finisher, coming in at 19:15.2 and Ms. Brylee McKay finished as the Top Overall Female Finisher, coming in at 20:18.3. We congratulate all 2022 CleftStrong 5k finishers! To view a complete list of results for all age category winners, please click here.
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Additionally, several fun awards were given out this year. Congratulations to our Best Grease Lightning Adult costume recipient: Tina Law! She places in her age category for many of our races and this year, she went home best dressed, as well! We will repeat ourselves in saying, "Far beyond a fun costume contest, there is a joy that comes with people using creative minds to create joy. Thank you for your fun spirit!"
Congratulations to our largest 5k team: Team Lindow Stephens and Schultz (LSS)! Team LSS was also presented our 5th year sponsorship award this year for their continued support of our mission! Thank you Mr. Mark Lindow for all that you do each year. It was extra special sharing the morning with your team.
Congratulations to our Highest Fundraising Team: Jack Attack! Thank you for your great efforts to raise money for the cause. Team Jack Attack rallied together with a team of virtual 5k participants as well as personal donors from the Minnesota area. Most notable to us was the love they rallied in support of the little one behind it all who underwent his palate surgery just a few days before race day! We are cheering for you, Jack!
Congratulations to our largest 5k team: Team Lindow Stephens and Schultz (LSS)! Team LSS was also presented our 5th year sponsorship award this year for their continued support of our mission! Thank you Mr. Mark Lindow for all that you do each year. It was extra special sharing the morning with your team.
Congratulations to our Highest Fundraising Team: Jack Attack! Thank you for your great efforts to raise money for the cause. Team Jack Attack rallied together with a team of virtual 5k participants as well as personal donors from the Minnesota area. Most notable to us was the love they rallied in support of the little one behind it all who underwent his palate surgery just a few days before race day! We are cheering for you, Jack!
We'd also love to give a shout out to our Largest Kids Fun Run Group here in San Antonio, Texas: Let's Go RSO! They came together and brought great support. We celebrate our largest Kids Fun Run count to date at the San Antonio race this year! We congratulate all fun run finishers and look forward to adding new features to next year's event for our participants! To all those who supported a team near and afar, we send great thanks to you for your support and we hope you enjoyed!
Emcee and fellow Cleft Mom, Gloria Madera #TeamArchieStrong
2022 CleftStrong Virtual racers included those from California, Minnesota, Florida, Nevada, Ohio, North Carolina, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, Kentucky, Arkansas, Illinois, and New York! Wow!! We were with you in spirit all the way from San Antonio, Texas and loved seeing the pictures come our way. Shout out to our Virtual race lead, fellow mom Sarah Garber, who volunteered much of her time throughout the planning season and continued to work remotely on RACE DAY to make sure all virtual race participants were in the know of race day festivities! CleftStrong Virtual Race Teams gathered from across the states including: Alamo Group, Beautiful Smile 1972, Jack Attack, Kayce's Pit Crew, OZK Runners, Smile Admirers, Total Knox Out!, and Waylon's Smile! If you haven't already, please send some pictures our way to @cleftstrong5k and/or #cleftstrong5k!
As always, thank you to Dr. Garcia de Mitchell. Dr. Peter Wang and the Cleft and Craniofacial Teams at Children's Hospital of San Antonio and one of this year's Top Sponsors, Methodist Children's Hospital for the dedication, love, and support you bring to the Craniofacial community inside and outside of the medical setting. Special thanks to Pierson & Saunders Orthodontics and their amazing team of support that flooded the course this year! Your support means the world to each of us. Race Director, Chelsea says it was extra heartwarming to see Dr. Pierson at the start of the kids fun run this year ready to cheer the kids on as they took off, watching Dr. Wang kneel down to talk to the smallest of 5k participants/patients that morning (and looking up to several patients he has cared for since they were that small!) and seeing Dr. Garcia de Mitchell's great big smile every second of the morning, closing the day recounting that "it's all for the families". It is moments like these that still the busyness and get us excited for the next year. Thank you to our medical community for the amazing hearts you have and for the teams you bring each race to show love to your patient families and their journeys. You are our heroes!
As always, thank you to Dr. Garcia de Mitchell. Dr. Peter Wang and the Cleft and Craniofacial Teams at Children's Hospital of San Antonio and one of this year's Top Sponsors, Methodist Children's Hospital for the dedication, love, and support you bring to the Craniofacial community inside and outside of the medical setting. Special thanks to Pierson & Saunders Orthodontics and their amazing team of support that flooded the course this year! Your support means the world to each of us. Race Director, Chelsea says it was extra heartwarming to see Dr. Pierson at the start of the kids fun run this year ready to cheer the kids on as they took off, watching Dr. Wang kneel down to talk to the smallest of 5k participants/patients that morning (and looking up to several patients he has cared for since they were that small!) and seeing Dr. Garcia de Mitchell's great big smile every second of the morning, closing the day recounting that "it's all for the families". It is moments like these that still the busyness and get us excited for the next year. Thank you to our medical community for the amazing hearts you have and for the teams you bring each race to show love to your patient families and their journeys. You are our heroes!
We thank the amazing 2022 5k Volunteer Committee for bringing their A game every step of the way to put this event together in such a fun and organized way with their team of volunteers! Each one of our Committee Chairs volunteer months of their time to make this event all that it is.
2022 CleftStrong 5k Committee Chairs:
Sarah Garber - Virtual Race Coordinator
Gloria Madera - Marketing Coordinator
Ashley Snyder - Kids Zone Coordinator
Brittany Roohan - Awards Coordinator
Stephanie Hernandez - Sign in and Registration Coordinator
Torey Reese - Volunteer Central and Welcome Coordinator
Hector Hernandez - Set up and Take Down Coordinator
Summer Nichols - Kids Fun Run Coordinator
Cecile Montanez and Martha Goodlow - Decorating Co-Coordinators
To our corporate sponsors and personal donors, thank you for believing in our mission and choosing our organization to support! If you would like to be a part of next year's event, please contact us here. You made this event possible and successful in its mission!
To all of our participants personally connected to the cause all around the country, this was your day to remember the strength you gained, the victories you have made, and the love in this world. We hope that you store the memories from this morning in a special place in your heart for many years to come. To all of our participants who are not personally connected to the cause and came to support, we know there are many worthy causes to support. We thank you for choosing ours on October 8th and we hope you enjoyed. You make the world a better place!
Looking forward to YEAR 10!
Ray and Chelsea Ortiz
CleftStrong Co-Founders & Race Directors
2022 CleftStrong 5k Committee Chairs:
Sarah Garber - Virtual Race Coordinator
Gloria Madera - Marketing Coordinator
Ashley Snyder - Kids Zone Coordinator
Brittany Roohan - Awards Coordinator
Stephanie Hernandez - Sign in and Registration Coordinator
Torey Reese - Volunteer Central and Welcome Coordinator
Hector Hernandez - Set up and Take Down Coordinator
Summer Nichols - Kids Fun Run Coordinator
Cecile Montanez and Martha Goodlow - Decorating Co-Coordinators
To our corporate sponsors and personal donors, thank you for believing in our mission and choosing our organization to support! If you would like to be a part of next year's event, please contact us here. You made this event possible and successful in its mission!
To all of our participants personally connected to the cause all around the country, this was your day to remember the strength you gained, the victories you have made, and the love in this world. We hope that you store the memories from this morning in a special place in your heart for many years to come. To all of our participants who are not personally connected to the cause and came to support, we know there are many worthy causes to support. We thank you for choosing ours on October 8th and we hope you enjoyed. You make the world a better place!
Looking forward to YEAR 10!
Ray and Chelsea Ortiz
CleftStrong Co-Founders & Race Directors
When our cleft journey began back in 2013, we asked God to take the wheel. We would have never imagined that He would take us into the unfamiliar territory of directing a race. We thank God that we have met amazing friends like you all through His ultimate plan. Here's to moving forward even stronger another year!
With love from our family to yours.
With love from our family to yours.
Thank you to Ms. Charlene Bell, American Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association Production Manager for making the trip to San Antonio, Texas and closing us out with the many ways participation of this annual event supports the cause. We thank ACPA for the work they do to create a world in which children born with cleft lip, cleft palate and other craniofacial conditions THRIVE.
Official race photos from our exclusive in kind volunteer photographer, Requena Photography available here! (Requena Photography has made these images accessible and downloadable for you free of cost for the cause!)
Full race results made available by IAAP available here!
If you would like to send us your photos, please email them to [email protected]!
Official race photos from our exclusive in kind volunteer photographer, Requena Photography available here! (Requena Photography has made these images accessible and downloadable for you free of cost for the cause!)
Full race results made available by IAAP available here!
If you would like to send us your photos, please email them to [email protected]!
Click here to receive information on the upcoming 10th Annual CleftStrong 5k and Kids Fun Run Event!
Thank you to the 2022 cleftstrong 5k sponsors!
Former News Reporter, Gloria Madera, CleftStrong Founder, Chelsea Ortiz and son Richie Ortiz talk about their journey of raising awareness for cleft and craniofacial conditions and for the 2022 CleftStrong 5k and Kids Run Run Event!
CleftStrong sends its sincere appreciation to News 4 San Antonio and Fox 29 San Antonio for spreading awareness for the 9th annual CleftStrong 5k and its mission. Learn more about ways you can get involved, how this race got its start and more about this year's race here.
CleftStrong sends its sincere appreciation to News 4 San Antonio and Fox 29 San Antonio for spreading awareness for the 9th annual CleftStrong 5k and its mission. Learn more about ways you can get involved, how this race got its start and more about this year's race here.
FINAL DAY TO REGISTER ONLINE »» DON'T MISS OUT!
Early Packet Pick Up: ** RSVP NOW!
Early Packet Pick Up Time/Place:
Friday, October 7, 2022, 3:00-8:00 p.m. CST
Hops and Hounds
13838 Jones Maltsberger Rd, San Antonio, TX 78247
We strongly encourage all participants who register online by the close of day, October 4th to pick up their race packets in advance to avoid race day sign in lines.
IMPORTANT: READ BEFORE YOU GO!
Individual Packet Pick Up:
You'll need the first and last name as it appears on your registration to receive your race packet.
Team Packet Pick up:
* Important: If you plan to pick up a packet for someone else on your team, please have the first and last name listed at registration for race kit you plan to pick up. Please know that we must process each person individually whether signed up as a team or an individual participant. We appreciate your understanding and patience as volunteers work hard to process sign in accurately.
We will also be taking last minute race registrations in person at packet pick up!
Race Morning Schedule At a Glance:
7:00 a.m.: Gates Open
- Last minute Registration opens
- Packet Pick Up for Pre-Registered Racers Open
8:15 a.m.: Opening Ceremony and National Anthem
8:40 a.m.: KIDS FUN RUN START
9:00 a.m.: 5k WAVE START
1.Elite Competitive Runners 2.Casual Runners and Joggers 3. Walkers, Strollers and leashed pets
-Race results will be posted at the table near finish line.
10:00 a.m.: Closing Ceremony
Be sure to stick around after the race! We will be awarding of this year's Overall Top Male and Female winners + Top 3 Male and Female in all Age Categories (70+, 60-69, 50-59, 40-49, 30-39, 20-29, 10-19, 9 and under).
Race Location:
Click for Directions
Pavilion #2, 13298 Buckhorn Rd, San Antonio, TX 78247
Parking:
Click for Parking Map
Largest 5k Team:
Teams have been hard at work rallying their troops! We will announce the largest 5k team after the race!
Highest Fundraising Team:
We will announce our Highest Fundraising Team after the race and award the Team Captain!
Best 1950's Grease Lightning Adult and Child Costume Prize
We will be awarding the best adult and child 1950's costume after the race!
Kids Zone:
Games + Care cards for cleft patients + paletas + face painting + purple carpet photo souvenir + Kids Fun Run!
Virtual Racers
2022 Virtual Racers: Please make sure to email or tag us with pictures and share your journey with us at #cleftstrong5k! Like us @cleftstrong5k on facebook, if you haven't already. There, you will also find video clippings from San Antonio throughout the morning on race day! We will see you there!!
Early Packet Pick Up Time/Place:
Friday, October 7, 2022, 3:00-8:00 p.m. CST
Hops and Hounds
13838 Jones Maltsberger Rd, San Antonio, TX 78247
We strongly encourage all participants who register online by the close of day, October 4th to pick up their race packets in advance to avoid race day sign in lines.
IMPORTANT: READ BEFORE YOU GO!
Individual Packet Pick Up:
You'll need the first and last name as it appears on your registration to receive your race packet.
Team Packet Pick up:
* Important: If you plan to pick up a packet for someone else on your team, please have the first and last name listed at registration for race kit you plan to pick up. Please know that we must process each person individually whether signed up as a team or an individual participant. We appreciate your understanding and patience as volunteers work hard to process sign in accurately.
We will also be taking last minute race registrations in person at packet pick up!
Race Morning Schedule At a Glance:
7:00 a.m.: Gates Open
- Last minute Registration opens
- Packet Pick Up for Pre-Registered Racers Open
8:15 a.m.: Opening Ceremony and National Anthem
8:40 a.m.: KIDS FUN RUN START
9:00 a.m.: 5k WAVE START
1.Elite Competitive Runners 2.Casual Runners and Joggers 3. Walkers, Strollers and leashed pets
-Race results will be posted at the table near finish line.
10:00 a.m.: Closing Ceremony
Be sure to stick around after the race! We will be awarding of this year's Overall Top Male and Female winners + Top 3 Male and Female in all Age Categories (70+, 60-69, 50-59, 40-49, 30-39, 20-29, 10-19, 9 and under).
Race Location:
Click for Directions
Pavilion #2, 13298 Buckhorn Rd, San Antonio, TX 78247
Parking:
Click for Parking Map
Largest 5k Team:
Teams have been hard at work rallying their troops! We will announce the largest 5k team after the race!
Highest Fundraising Team:
We will announce our Highest Fundraising Team after the race and award the Team Captain!
Best 1950's Grease Lightning Adult and Child Costume Prize
We will be awarding the best adult and child 1950's costume after the race!
Kids Zone:
Games + Care cards for cleft patients + paletas + face painting + purple carpet photo souvenir + Kids Fun Run!
Virtual Racers
2022 Virtual Racers: Please make sure to email or tag us with pictures and share your journey with us at #cleftstrong5k! Like us @cleftstrong5k on facebook, if you haven't already. There, you will also find video clippings from San Antonio throughout the morning on race day! We will see you there!!
FINAL DAY TO REGISTER ONLINE »» DON'T MISS OUT!
QUESTIONS? CONTACT US HERE!
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As hard as you fight, we will strive to fight alongside you.
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