TYLER, Texas (KLTV) - The Gold Network of East Texas will host its 12th annual East Texas Gold Run Saturday at Bergfeld Park in Tyler, raising funds and awareness during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Opening ceremonies begin at 8 a.m., followed by a 5K race at 8:30 a.m. and an untimed 1-mile walk or jog at 8:35 a.m. The morning will also feature a 30-foot Wall of Heroes, music and performances by the Grace Community School drumline and the Tyler Junior College Apache Spirit Squad.

Heather Rucker, founder and director of the Gold Network of East Texas, emphasized that childhood cancer receives less than 4% of federal research funding despite the organization serving more than 170 local families.