Pajamas All Day 5K Recap
Sixth Annual Pajamas All Day 5K/Fun Run: A Day of Fun, Movement, and Giving Back in Charlotte, NC
This past weekend marked the incredible Sixth Annual Pajamas All Day 5K/Fun Run at Blakeney Professional Park in Charlotte, North Carolina, and what an unforgettable day it was! With nearly 900 attendees and 759 registered participants, the event brought the community together for an amazing morning of Moving Because We Can!
The Pajamas All Day 5K isn’t your average race—participants are encouraged to wear their comfiest PJs while running or walking through the course. It’s our unique tradition that makes the event even more special and adds an extra layer of joy! Whether you were in onesies, fluffy slippers, or cozy sweats, the smiles were contagious and the spirit of the event was as bright as ever.
We also host a community free festival, open to all regardless of 5K registration, full of games, kid's activities, inflatables, food, drink, prizes, and more!
The Heart and Soul Behind the Event: Move For Jenn Foundation
The Move For Jenn Foundation, a Charlotte-based nonprofit, is dedicated to helping individuals who have lost limbs to sarcoma cancer to regain their independence and continue pursuing the activities they love. Founded in honor of Jenn Andrews, a local sarcoma warrior who lost her leg below the knee to this rare cancer, the foundation provides funding and support for amputees in the sarcoma community, ensuring they have access to life-changing prosthetics and the the encouragement they need to live their lives to the fullest.
A Surprising Moment: Emily Fogle’s New Waterproof Prosthetic
One of the most emotional moments of the day came when Jenn surprised Fort Mill, South Carolina resident, Emily Fogle, with a life-changing gift. Emily, an avid water sports enthusiast, has always loved spending time on the water—whether it’s kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply soaking up the sun. But after losing her leg to sarcoma, her ability to participate in these activities was dramatically impacted.
Enter the Move For Jenn Foundation. As part of our mission to help amputees get back to the activities they love, the MFJF will work with our partners at Amputee Blade Runners in Nashville to make a specialized waterproof prosthetic foot and socket for Emily. Normal prosthetics have metal, which will rust over time if used in the water.
Amputee Blade Runners, a nonprofit based in Nashville, specializes in providing high-performance prosthetics to athletes and active individuals. Their expertise will be instrumental in crafting the perfect prosthetic for Emily, giving her the chance to get back to doing what she loves.
The journey ahead for Emily is one of inspiration. As she prepares to re-enter the water with her new prosthetic foot, her story will no doubt inspire others who face challenges of their own. Emily’s resilience, coupled with the support from Move For Jenn Foundation and Amputee Blade Runners, is a reminder that no obstacle is too great when you have the right tools, determination, and a community of people cheering you on.
One Extra Surprise: Sarcoma Funding Stays Local
In a second heartwarming moment during the event, Move For Jenn Foundation Board President, Jenny Sage, took the stage to surprise everyone with an announcement of a $10,000 check for sarcoma specific research. The generous donation was given to Levine Cancer Institute, marking a significant milestone in the Move For Jenn Foundation’s ongoing efforts to raise funds for sarcoma research.
Jenny, alongside her daughter Gracie, a brave sarcoma warrior, has worked tirelessly to raise awareness and support for this rare and aggressive cancer. Together, they have already raised an impressive $40,000 of the $60,000 needed to fund an entire sarcoma-specific research project, bringing them one step closer to making a meaningful impact in the fight against this devastating disease. Their dedication and unwavering commitment to finding a cure for sarcoma are truly inspiring, and this moment served as a powerful reminder of the difference just one community can make.
The Pajamas All Day 5K: More Than Just a Race
The 2025 PJAD 5K was a celebration of movement and the power of giving back. Families, friends, and individuals from all over came together to walk, run, and cheer on the participants. The energy was infectious, and the sense of community was palpable.
This year, we were thrilled to welcome the Mighty Striders Running Club, who joined the event for the first time with thanks to ISI Waxhaw, adding an extra layer of camaraderie to the day. The Mighty Striders, a local running club dedicated to supporting athletes of all abilities, brought an inspiring energy to the Pajamas All Day 5K/Fun Run. By encouraging inclusivity and supporting athletes of all levels, the Mighty Striders exemplified the spirit of the event—where the focus is not just on competition, but on community, support, and the joy of movement. Their presence was a beautiful reminder that running and fitness are for everyone, and we look forward to their continued involvement in future events!
Raising Funds for a Great Cause
One of the biggest successes of the event was the funds raised to support the Move For Jenn Foundation. With nearly 900 attendees, the event generated over $95,000, an amount that will help support prosthetic grants for sarcoma warriors as well as help support funding sarcoma specific research.
A Thank You to All Who Made It Possible
None of this would have been possible without the incredible volunteers, sponsors, and participants who came together to make the sixth annual Pajamas All Day 5K/Fun Run a success. A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who helped make this event such a special day, especially to our Platinum Sponsors, Brighthouse Financial, Middle James Brewing Company, Providence Plastic Surgery, and Tito's Handmade Vodka.
In Conclusion: A Day of Fun, Movement, and Giving Back
The Sixth Annual Pajamas All Day 5K/Fun Run was a beautiful reminder of what can happen when a community comes together to support a great cause. From the smiles and laughter to the inspiring stories of resilience, it was a day filled with positivity, hope, and celebration.
We can’t wait to see what next year’s event will bring, but for now, let’s celebrate the incredible impact we’ve made together. Here’s to continuing to move for Jenn and for all those who need our support!
Event Photos
Check out PJAD 2025 event photos here.
What's Next?
You're invited to join us at our fourth annual Move For Jenn Open taking place on Monday, May 19 at TPC Piper Glen! Learn more here.