Lee hosts 65 Roses 5K, celebrating 25 years of Great Strides in Cleveland

Lee University recently hosted the 2026 Cleveland 65 Roses 5K as part of the Great Strides event to raise funds for a cure for cystic fibrosis (CF). This year’s race marked the 25th anniversary of the Cleveland event and its celebratory finale on Lee’s campus. The race, along with the Great Strides Walk, took place Saturday, March 28, and all proceeds benefitted the CF Foundation.

“Each year those of us at Lee University are deeply humbled by the tremendous support given to the cause of cystic fibrosis through the events of the Great Strides Weekend,” said Dr. Bill Estes, dean of Lee University’s Helen DeVos College of Education and race director. “The enthusiasm in the Cleveland community for this event has been constant and truly reflects the City with Spirit.”

Dr. Bill Estes, dean of Lee University’s Helen DeVos College of Education and race director, cheered participants on as they finished the race.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is a nonprofit donor-supported organization dedicated to attacking cystic fibrosis from every angle. Its focus is to support the development of new drugs to fight the disease, improve the quality of life for those with CF, and ultimately find a cure. Research is happening daily to find a cure and develop drugs available to those living with CF.