Darlene Smith would love it — not because it’s named after her but because it raises money to fight cancer.

The fourth-annual Darlene’s Flamingo 5K will raise funds for the Marion L. Shepard Cancer Center in Washington.

The 5K event — Make Your Own Party as its motto — begins at 9 a.m. Nov. 2 at the end of Hubs Rec Road, specifically the T intersection near the waterway. The event is named after Smith, who died after battling breast cancer.

“This annual event will take place in her beloved waterfront community of Smithton, and pink flamingos will adorn the yards, roads and waterviews as you show your support in an effort to combat cancer,” reads a website about the fundraiser.

Participants will make their way through the Smithton community south of Belhaven.

“Darleen’s Flamingo 5K is in memory of Darleen Smith. Her family started it as a way to give back and help others as she had always lived. Our main goal for Darleen’s Flamingo 5K is to raise awareness and help those that are battling cancer,” said William “Nick” Klapp. “We chose to donate all proceeds to the Shepard Cancer Center in Washington because they are a great local organization that helps both the individual and their families affected by cancer through their alternative treatments and therapy programs. Darleen’s favorite saying was ‘Make Your Own Party,’ and our event is unlike any other in the area because of the overwhelming support from family, friends, coworkers, the Smithton community, volunteers and race participants.”

Last year’s event raised $17,500 for the Shepard Cancer Foundation.

This is a USATF sanctioned event with chip timing provided by Run The East. The course is on a flat, paved surface in the waterfront community of Smithton. The event has several age groups, from 15 and under to 60 and over.

Awards will be given to the top three male runners and female runners overall and the top three male runners and female runners in each age group.

To register for Darlene’s Flamingo 5K or learn more about it, visit www.flamingo5k.org