'Hoosiers Outrun Cancer' this Saturday

Cancer survivors and supporters of cancer research will come together this weekend to raise money and awareness for a cure. \nThe 4th annual Hoosiers Outrun Cancer will take place this Saturday benefiting Bloomington Hospital's Olcott Center for Cancer Education. The event, which is the primary source of funding for the Olcott Center, has raised over $300,000 to date and organizers are hoping to raise over $100,000 Saturday, event coordinator Diane Ballard said.\nBloomington Hospital and IU Athletics sponsor the 5k run/walk, which honors survivors of cancer and gives participants the chance to remember the lives of loved ones lost to the disease. \nJenny Suhr, a former IU student, died of brain cancer at the age of 20 in December of 1999. Jenny's mother, Jane Suhr, formed Team Jenny, along with her husband, son and many of Jenny's friends. Through Team Jenny, Suhr and other team participants have raised over $25,000 over the past four years.\n"Not only are we raising funds for the Olcott Center," Suhr said. "But by forming Team Jenny we have time to come together to honor and remember Jenny and how she inspired and touched each of our lives in such a warm and loving manner."\nBallard said she expects 3,000 participants this year, about 500 more people than last year. \n"The run is a rewarding experience on so many levels," she said. "We are happy to see so many people returning, as well as new faces." \nBallard said the event offers something for runners of all skill levels. For trained runners, a professional race manager will time the race and calculate the results. The route begins at IU's Assembly Hall parking lot and finishes at Memorial Stadium's 50 yard line. An awards ceremony will be held at the end of the race where the top male and female runners will receive a $100 gift certificate. There will also be a children's one mile run and a one mile family fun walk offered.\nDorothy Ellis, an originator and founder of Hoosier's Outrun Cancer, said involvement from the community is what makes the event so special and successful.\n"You will see neighbors, colleagues and friends at this event. Everyone has fun," Ellis said.\nEllis said the original idea for the race came from Karen Knight, wife of former Hoosier basketball coach, Bob Knight, in December of 1999. Karen's idea was to sponsor a run in the community that would raise money to support cancer research. She took the idea to Bloomington Hospital, where her plan was well received. \nEllis said the idea of a run was a dream come true.\n"In the first year we had almost 2,300 participants, which was beyond our wildest dreams," Ellis said. \nParticipants of the race will be given the opportunity to honor a survivor or lost loved one by personalizing a pennant to be placed in the Field of Flags, located in Memorial Stadium. \n"It's a great time for the community to come together and honor those who have battled cancer," Ellis said. "There is so much meaning behind this run. I encourage everyone and anyone to participate in this wonderful event."\n-- Contact staff reporter Monica Dix at mcdix@indiana.edu.