Operation Smile’s 18th Shamrock Final Mile Continues to Unite Communities to Support Cleft Care and Awareness

Virginia Beach, Va. – March 12, 2025 – Operation Smile, the world-renowned volunteer medical organization dedicated to providing cleft surgery and comprehensive care to those in need—and on a mission to change children’s lives through transformative surgeries and medical care—is proud to announce the expansion of its annual Operation Smile Shamrock Final Mile with new partnerships in 2025. In addition to the longstanding event in Virginia Beach, races will be held on March 15, 2025, in Morristown, N.J., and San Diego, Ca. These events support Operation Smile’s commitment to bringing hope and healing to children with cleft conditions by providing free, life-changing cleft surgeries around the world.

Last year, over 4,000 elementary school students throughout Hampton Roads participated in the Operation Smile Shamrock Final Mile, engaging in an in-school fitness challenge and raising critical funds for the organization.

Three Races, One Mission
Scheduled for March 15, 2025, the following events will unite thousands of young runners, families, and community advocates in support of Operation Smile’s mission:

• Virginia Beach, Va. – Operation Smile Shamrock Final Mile, hosted by J&A Racing
• Morristown, N.J. – St. Paddy’s Day 5K, hosted by Superhero Events
• San Diego, Ca. – Leprechaun Run 5K, hosted by San Diego Running Co.

By hosting events across multiple cities, Operation Smile is deepening its impact by creating more opportunities for communities to actively engage with its mission of “caring locally, healing globally.” Each race not only raises awareness about the challenges of cleft conditions and the transformative impact of comprehensive care, but also to foster community and lifelong bonds. In local communities, these events uniquely bring together young participants with cleft conditions, forging strong relationships and a sense of belonging that resonates far beyond the finish line.

“Me and my best friend Harper, we have been going around schools in Virginia Beach and we’ve been talking about Operation Smile and our cleft conditions,” said Final Mile ambassador Farryn Kaley, a fifth-grader from Alanton Elementary School who was born with a cleft condition. “And that’s really helped me a lot — I’m showing my strongness now.”

Empowering Youth and Building Lasting Partnerships
For 18 years, Operation Smile has empowered student volunteers and young leaders to champion change. In the months leading up to the Final Mile, students are encouraged to run 25.2 miles, culminating in a celebratory final mile along the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. Past participants, such as Farryn Kaley and Harper Kolba, have shared their personal journeys to inspire peers and spread awareness of Operation Smile’s mission. In San Diego, Justin Lin and Carter Lalanne, student advocates born with a cleft condition, will represent Operation Smile at the 7th annual Leprechaun Run 5K’s inaugural “Leprechaun Run Kids 1 Mile” for children up to age 12.

The 2025 Shamrock Final Mile further highlights Operation Smile’s long-standing partnership with the Cleft and Craniofacial Center at Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters (CHKD) in Norfolk, Va. This collaboration supports families receiving cleft treatment by fostering a strong community of care and awareness. Operation Smile will also host a celebratory luncheon for families and CHKD surgeons who support their care journey.

Registration for All Events is Now Open:

• Virginia Beach, VA: www.shamrockmarathon.com
• Morris Township, NJ: www.superheroracing.com/stpaddy5k (Use code SMILE for a student discount)
• San Diego, CA: bit.ly/Miles4SmilesSD25 (Use code OPSMILE15 for 15% off registration)

###

About Operation Smile
Operation Smile is a global nonprofit bridging the gap in access to essential surgeries and health care, starting with cleft surgery and comprehensive care. We provide medical expertise, training, research and care through our dedicated staff and medical and student volunteers around the world, working alongside local governments, nonprofits, and health systems, and supported by our generous donors and corporate partners. For more information about Operation Smile, please visit www.operationsmile.org.

For More Information: 

Bethany Bogacki
Operation Smile
Phone: 757-681-0565
Email: [email protected]

Janelle Burchfield, Media Contact
For Operation Smile  
Phone: 757-439-0139
Email: [email protected]