Debbie Hopkins Memorial 5K returns to Brunswick with new survivor tribute

Annual event supports education programs while honoring colon cancer survivors

Children running on a street during a fun run event.

The Debbie Hopkins Memorial 5K returns April 11 in Brunswick, adding a tribute to colon cancer survivors while raising funds for education programs.

Luigi Musto

Published March 26, 2026 - 4:46 a.m.

Passionate Educators Inc., in partnership with the Crestview PTO, will host the third annual Debbie Hopkins Memorial 5K on Saturday, April 11, at Crestview Elementary School.

This year’s event introduces a new theme recognizing colon cancer survivors while continuing its mission of celebrating educational excellence.

The race honors Debbie Hopkins, a longtime Brunswick City School District teacher who dedicated more than 30 years to education. Following her death in 2020, her husband, Dale, founded Passionate Educators Inc., a nonprofit that supports teachers through scholarships and classroom grants.

Children lined up at the starting line for a fun run event. — Proceeds from the event will support Crestview Elementary and fund scholarships and classroom grants for students and teachers across Medina County.

“We are thrilled to bring the community together for the third year to honor Debbie’s passion for teaching,” said race organizer Ashley Skubak. “By adding the colon cancer survivor tribute this year, we hope to provide a space for encouragement and recognition for those in our community who have shown incredible strength.”

All colon cancer survivors and those currently undergoing treatment are invited to be recognized during the event. Participants may choose to include a blue ribbon on their race bib during registration.

The event will include a chip-timed 5K run/walk, a 1-mile run/walk and a 100-yard kids dash for children age 8 and younger. Post-race festivities will feature awards for top finishers in various age groups.

Proceeds will benefit Crestview Elementary and the Passionate Educators scholarship program, which has recently expanded to support students across all eight school districts in Medina County.

Participants can register online. Early packet pickup will be held from 4:30-6:30 p.m. April 10. Race-day registration begins at 8 a.m., followed by the kids dash at 8:45 a.m. and the 5K and 1-mile events at 9 a.m.