Back to News & Video

Gilda’s Gang 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run

April 6, 2024

About Gilda’s Gang

Gilda’s Gang 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run is an untimed, all-ages, all-abilities fundraising and community building event held at Shelby Park in East Nashville.

Established in 2021, the event drew more than 275 participants in its first year – a combination of individuals and families served by Gilda’s Club; longtime Gilda’s Club volunteers and supporters; and community and business leaders. The event returns for its fourth year on Saturday, April 6, 2024.  Registration starts at $35 per person with kids 12 and under free.

Gilda’s Gang 5K and 1-Mile Family Fun Run is named in honor of Dr. Gail Addlestone, a long-time Gilda’s Club volunteer and staff member who established a half-marathon training program and fundraiser – dubbed “Gilda’s Gang” – that raised more than $1.3 million for Gilda’s Club between 2006 and 2017. Despite losing Gail to metastatic breast cancer in 2007, her legacy of service, hard work and determination lives on through events like this one.

Dr. Gail Addlestone

During her lifetime, Dr. Gail Addlestone was many things to many people…a daughter, wife, mother, friend, and trusted pediatrician. For those of us at Gilda’s Club, Gail was each of these things, but, somehow, within our walls, she managed to still be more.

Gail first became involved with Gilda’s Club as a volunteer. Having lost her own mom to ovarian cancer, she was passionate about our mission from the very start. But, then, just a couple of years later, Gail was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer.

As Gail endured surgery, chemo, radiation, and more, she took on her second role at Gilda’s Club: Member. Gail participated in our weekly Moms Support Group and opened the door for us to serve her father, husband, daughter, and friends.

Sadly, Gail soon had to stop practicing medicine. This is when she changed roles yet again. This time, she became a part of our staff, serving in a way that combined her two passions: exercise during cancer treatment and supporting Gilda’s Club. Gail accomplished much while working for Gilda’s Club, but is perhaps best known for establishing what would later become Gilda’s Gang – a half-marathon training program and fundraiser that raised more than $1.3 million for Gilda’s Club between 2006 and 2017.

Since her death in 2007, Gail’s legacy has been recognized by Gilda’s Club in a number of ways. Gilda’s Gang was named in her honor, and she was celebrated posthumously with the Nancy Saturn Award of Inspiration in 2011. In addition, in 2018, the Dr. Gail Addlestone Community Building Award was created and is presented annually.

Race Day Schedule

7:15 AM       Registration Opens

7:45 AM       Pre-Race Warm-Up

8:00 AM      5K Begins

8:30 AM      1-Mile Fun Run Begins

 

Feeling Competitive? Create a Team!

Get your friends, family, and co-workers together for a team and compete to win prizes (and bragging rights) on the day of the event!

Some awards may include: Biggest Team (by number of participants), Highest Dollar Amount Raised (by team), and Best Team Spirit!

Look for the Team Name and Team Captain section on the ‘Purchaser and Attendee’ page of the order form.

About Our 5K Course

Shelby Park is a short drive from the Gilda’s Club Clubhouse. When you turn left onto Davidson Street, follow it until the stop sign located near the Vinny Links Golf Course. Continue through the stop sign and to just the playground. Plenty of free parking is available alongside the playground and on the far side of the youth baseball field.

F.A.Q

I can’t make it to the event, but would like to donate to this campaign. 

Thank you! Please feel free to use the ‘Register’ button at the top of the page to make a donation. Just scroll to the bottom where the donation section is on the registration page.  You can also click the red donate button at the bottom right of your screen any time to make a donation. Just note in the comments section that you would like your donation to go to Gilda’s Gang. Either way is wonderful and we appreciate the support.

If you would like to send a check, you can make it payable to ‘Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee’. Our mailing address is 1707 Division Street, Nashville, TN 37203.

 

When can I pick up my race packet?

Race packets will be available for pick up on Wednesday, April 3 through Friday, April 5 from 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM.  You can also pick up your packets the day of the race at the event check-in!

We’re located at 1707 Division Street, Nashville. Enter from the alley that connects Division St. and Roy Acuff.  Call 615-329-1124 if you need assistance with directions.

This year we will have ‘I’m Running For’ bibs available for decorating/filling out. These will be included in race packets, and available the day of the event.

 

Do you still have the race if it is raining?

This event will occur rain or shine. However, in the event of severe weather precautionary measurements will be made for the safety of all and will be determined on site. Keep yourself and those loved ones prepared – wear appropriate clothing for the climate. Keep in mind you will warm up when walking/running. Layering is also a good idea.

 

Is the course fully paved?

Yes! The full course is on asphalt paths.

Register or Donate

Gilda’s Gang 2024 Generously Sponsored By

Sponsorship Opportunities

Interested in being a sponsor for our 25th Anniversary Gilda’s Gang? View our sponsorship opportunities and contact Tricia Drake.

View the Sponsorship Deck!