Power in Pink Fun Run celebrates 20 years of TETWP in Pendleton

By Michael LeCompte
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Flyer courtesy of Pendleton Round-Up Tough Enough to Wear Pink

PENDLETON, Ore.-2026 marks the 20th year of Tough Enough To Wear Pink (TETWP) at the Pendleton Round-Up in September, and the anniversary year will kickoff with a Power in Pink 5K Fun Run/Walk April 25.

Pendleton started its TETWP campaign to promote breast cancer awareness and fundraising in 2006, following the program’s debut at the National Finals Rodeo, and its campaign is now the oldest local TETWP effort in the country, according to event organizers.

TETWP festivities during the Pendleton Round-Up every September include an arena walk to recognize and honor cancer patients and survivors, as well as fundraising efforts to benefit those in need.

“We’re so grateful for the community’s support over the past 20 years,” said Casey White-Zollman, co-chair of the Round-Up’s TETWP campaign. “This event is a fun, visible way to show that support and remind those battling cancer that they’re not alone.”

The Power in Pink 5K Fun Run/Walk is open to all ages and ability levels, according to organizers, and participants are encouraged to wear pink. Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes.

Photo courtesy of Pendleton Round-Up Tough Enough to Wear Pink

The 1-mile kids run starts at 8:30 a.m., followed by the regular run/walk at 9 a.m. on April 25. The route begins at the bucking horse statue outside the Pendleton Round-Up Grounds and runs along the Pendleton Riverwalk to the Southeast 8th Street Bridge and back, before finishing at the Let ‘er Buck sign across the street from the Round-Up grounds.

Registration is $15 for the kids 1-mile run and $25 for the 5K. Participants can pre-register online (https://www.pendletonroundup.com/events/2026/tetwp-5k-fun-run) or sign up the morning of the event.

In honor of its 20th anniversary, Pendleton TETWP set a fundraising goal of $100,000, and all money raised during the Power in Pink run will help fund local organizations that support cancer patients and survivors from diagnosis through remission.

“TETWP has made a real difference for people right here in our community,” said Jill Gregg, TETWP co-chair. “This run is about coming together, having fun, and continuing that mission in a big way.”

Community members, organizations, and businesses interested in sponsoring Pendleton’s 2026 TETWP campaign or September events can contact co-chairs Jill Gregg (jill.c.gregg@gmail.com) or Casey White-Zollman (cmwzollman@gmail.com).