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Submitted by Coastal Georgia NICU Warrior Run
Sept. 16, 2026 – The inaugural Coastal Georgia NICU Warrior Run will take place at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, bringing the community together to honor babies currently fighting in the neonatal intensive care unit, celebrate NICU graduates, remember those who have died and recognize the families and health care professionals who stand beside them.
The event will be held at Howe 2 Run Savannah, 11 Gateway Blvd. S., Suite 54, and will offer opportunities for runners, walkers, families and community supporters to participate.
Created under the motto “Every Step for Our Tiniest Warriors,” the Coastal Georgia NICU Warrior Run was founded by Chelsey Barnes, whose youngest daughter, Siana Vanessa Barnes, began her life as a NICU patient at Candler Hospital.
Siana was born prematurely following a high-risk pregnancy and spent time in the NICU undergoing medical treatment, including two minor surgeries. Her journey from the NICU to becoming a thriving, energetic child inspired a larger mission to ensure NICU families throughout coastal Georgia know they are seen, supported and celebrated.
“What began as a way to honor my daughter’s journey has grown into something much bigger than our family,” Barnes said. “There are so many families whose lives have been forever changed by the NICU. This event is about reminding them that their stories matter, their babies matter and there is an entire community willing to stand beside them.”
The Coastal Georgia NICU Warrior Run includes a 5K, 10K, family walk and virtual option, providing opportunities for people of all fitness levels and locations to participate. The inaugural event has received support from participants, volunteers, businesses, health care supporters, organizations and community partners throughout Savannah and coastal Georgia.
Proceeds will help cover costs associated with the inaugural race, provide support connected to the Candler Hospital NICU, where Siana began her journey, and assist with the development of The S.I.A.N.A. Project, which stands for Supporting Infants and NICU Advocates. The initiative was created to continue supporting and advocating for NICU babies and their families beyond race day.
Barnes hopes the Coastal Georgia NICU Warrior Run will become an annual Savannah tradition and a lasting platform for NICU awareness, advocacy and community support.
“This is more than a race,” Barnes said. “Every person who registers, volunteers, sponsors, shares our story or simply shows up is helping us tell NICU families that they do not walk this journey alone. On Sept. 26, every single step will be for our tiniest warriors.”
Community members are encouraged to attend, participate, volunteer and help spread the word.
EVENT DETAILS
Event: Coastal Georgia NICU Warrior Run
Date: Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Location: Howe 2 Run Savannah
Address: 11 Gateway Blvd. S., Suite 54, Savannah, GA 31419
Events: 5K, 10K, family walk and virtual option
For current registration information and availability, visit:
https://runsignup.com/Race/GA/Savannah/CoastalGeorgiaNICUWarriorRun