Registrations are rolling in at a record pace with more than 400 participants already registered for the 8th annual Fe for a Cure 5K Race/Walk. Event organizers are hoping to double that number in the final week before the event starts at 9 am on Saturday, September 16 at the Tammy Walker Cancer Center.
"Historically, a majority of our registrations have come the week leading up to the event, and we'd like to challenge the community to have 800 registered participants at this year's race," said Marla McElderry, executive director at the Salina Regional Health Foundation. "Last year we had over 500 participate, which was heartwarming after a 2-year hiatus due to COVID-19."
This year's event features a new route that starts and ends at the Tammy Walker Cancer Center. The course will run down Santa Fe Ave through historic Salina Downtown and also loop through Oakdale Park and Kenwood Park before finishing at the Tammy Walker Cancer Center.
Registration is $35 for ages 12 and older and $10 for ages 11 and younger. All who register will receive a commemorative t-shirt. Cancer survivors who register will receive spcially designated t-shirts. Those who can't make the event, but would like to receive a t-shirt to support the cause, can register as a "Couch Potato." Donations also are welcome. All race and registration information can be found at www.feforacure.com.
In-person registration will be open at Early Packet Pickup from 7 am-6 pm, Friday, September 15, at the Tammy Walker Cancer Center and also on race day beginning at 7 am.
Thanks to support from the even't sponsors, 100% of entry fees will be directed to assist patients undergoing treatment at the Tammy Walker Cancer Center. Funds are used to support a variety of patient programs and services including: Masonic Cancer Alliance annual membership, which allows local patients access to clinical trials and other services available through the University of Kansas Cancer Center; Patient Meal Program; Appearance Center hats, scarves, wigs, and other personal care items for patients dealing with the side effects of cancer treatment; nutrition supplements; Rebecca A. Morrison House patient accommodations; transportation assistance, and a variety of other programs and services that support cancer patients.
On race day a special cancer survivor's recognition will be held, beginning at 8:15 am, along with a welcome and race day announcements prior to the event. Participants also can enjoy breakfast sandwiches, and other food and refreshments, music and medals after the race.
The event is sponsored by the Salina Regional Health Foundation, Meridian Media and North Salina Community Development. Medalist sponsors for the event are: Gold -Salina Supply Company; Silver - Conklin Toyota Salina; Bronze - Advantage Trust Company, First Bank Kansas, Hutton, BE Wealth, Eide Bailly, Edward Jones and JMH Cleaning. Ribbon Sponsors include Central States Recovery, Iron Insurance Partners, Jim's Formal Wear, Smart Cabling Solutions, The Bennington State Bank, Clark Mize & Linville Chartered, Bamford Fire Sprinkler Co., Equity Bank, Cash-WA Distributing, Speer Wealth Management, Quentin McKee & Son Landscaping, The Bank of Tescott, Airgas, Exchange Bank and Brown's Medical Imaging.