IMPACT Melanoma presents 5th Annual Hope 5k Run/Walk on September 29th
IMPACT Melanoma, a national non-profit organization dedicated to working to reduce the incidence of melanoma, is pleased to announce the running of their 5thAnnual Hope 5k Run/Walk which will occur on Saturday, September 29that Waltham High School from 8:30 AM until Noon. Proceeds from the event will benefit IMPACT Melanoma and its operative mission of raising awareness about skin cancer through its award-winning programs and initiatives.
“It’s that time of year again,” said Deb Girard – IMPACT Melanoma’s Executive Director. “Time to lace up those sneakers and join us at Waltham High School for a fun-filled day and the quest to be crowned champion of the IMPACT Melanoma Hope 5k Run/Walk in your respective age bracket. The real truth is, there are no losers here. This event is a fantastic family fueled festivity that builds on strong community bonds and keeping the conversation going regarding the trials and tribulations of skin cancer awareness. As long as that conversation continues and we all do our part to create awareness and a path for prevention, we’re making great IMPACT, and, collectively, we’re winning.”
Whether you’re a serious runner, casual walker, large team, or just a kid looking to have some fun, your participation is whole-heartedly welcome. Registrations are now open for the general public to join in on the event alongside Boston Marathon legend Bill Rodgers, who will be participating in the event as well.
“I’m so excited for this event,” said Rodgers. “I look forward to it each and every year. It’s so important for us to band together and work to outrun melanoma and create an awareness so that future generations take care of their skin while they’re on the trail, the road, or just plain outside. I lost my grandfather to this terrible disease my father has it… it’s something that effects everyone. I run in their memory each and every day, and I run the Hope 5k with hopes that we can learn as much as we can about melanoma and other forms of skin cancer and come up with a way to find the cure. In the meantime, don’t forget your sunscreen!”
The course is walker and stroller friendly and there is a free Kids Fun Run across the football field, making the IMPACT Melanoma Hope 5k fit for the whole family. The Dana-Farber’s BLUM Family Resource Van will also be onsite providing free skin cancer screenings. And, don’t run off after the race because you won’t want to miss the post-race Wally’s Wicked Good Ice Cream party, food, music and fun! Prizes for top fundraisers, biggest team, top place medals for all age levels and Kids Fun Run will be awarded, as well as the – new for this year – King & Queen of the Hill Challenge which boasts a $250 cash prize.
Schedule is as follows:
Bib Pick-up* | 8:30 am
Kids’ Fun Run | 9:30 am
5K Race Start | 10:00 am
*Early Bib Pick-up is available on Friday, September 28 from 5:00pm-8:00pm at Jake n Joe’s, 70 Market Place Drive, Waltham, MA. Get your bib number and t-shirt ahead of time and skip on-site check-in!
For complete information on the event and to register, volunteer, donate, and more, visit: www.impactmelanoma.org/event/impact-melanoma-hope-5k
