The Cardinals 5K was established in 2020 to raise funds for the Cardinals Care Redbird Rookies Program, a free youth softball and baseball program other area charities that serve kids. Each year, the Cardinals honor a Cardinals Hall of Famer in conjunction with the Cardinals 5K, to highlight that individual's contributions to the community. The Hall of Famer's number will be featured on the finisher medallion that each race registrant will receive.
This year, the Cardinals will honor Ray Lankford. Lankford was known for his combination of speed and power during his 13 seasons in St. Louis. Lankford recorded five 20-20 seasons (with four consecutive from 1995-1998) and ranks fifth all-time in club history in home runs and stolen bases. He is the only player in Cardinals history with at least 200 home runs and 200 steals, and hit more home runs in Busch Stadium II than any other player (123). The long-time Cardinal center fielder was named to the All-Star team in 1997 and still ranks in the all-time top-10 franchise leaders in Runs (9th), Total Bases (10th), Doubles (9th), Runs Batted In (8th), Walks (5th) and Game Winning-RBI (T-2nd).