Runners race for cancer

Six years ago, a dream was made into a reality. Karen Knight, wife of former IU men's basketball coach Bob Knight, was discussing goals and aspirations with Dorothy Ellis when the idea of a 5K to benefit cancer came up.\n"Karen was very passionate about cancer because she lost her mother to cancer and also her little brother," said Ellis, originator of Hoosiers Outrun Cancer. "Karen was with her mother a great deal of the time when she was battling cancer, and Karen always felt that she wanted to do something to give back to cancer patients where she could make their struggle easier." \nThat was when the 5K run/walk was developed. \nThe race is about "bringing the community together by honoring and memorializing (cancer patients)," Ellis said. \nThe idea was then taken to the Bloomington Hospital Foundation to gain sponsorship and was eagerly received. The organization was then started, but not without criticism. \n"We were told that we would be … unable to have more than 500 runners and walkers. Bloomington had never had a run/walk at that time that exceeded those numbers," Ellis said.\nBut they felt they could do better than that -- and they did. Their first year brought in almost 2,400 participants. \n"People were very enthusiastic about it," Ellis said. \nAnd every year, the race continues to grow. \n"Since its beginning and through last year, we have raised over $700,000," said Diane Ballard, event coordinator for HOC. "It's the largest run in Monroe County." \nThe race is a growing success and is well received by many participants.\n"I think our event every year is better," Ellis said.\nLast year brought in 3,500 participants and organizers are hoping to bring in more this time around. \n"We've grown considerably since our inaugural run, and we project to have close to 4,000 this year," Ellis said. \nThis year, a new form of encouragement will allow all to contribute. \n"There will be a huge banner that allows people to write thoughts and sentiments for people who are fighting cancer or in memory of those who were lost to it," Ballard said. "This is going to be hung in the hospital lobby for a period of time to give visitors of the hospital an opportunity to see it. (It also) gives them an opportunity for people to remember others."\nAll proceeds go to the Bloomington Hospital Olcott Center for Cancer Education. The race costs $20 per person but is free for children 6 and under. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at the West Concourse of Memorial Stadium. \n"It's very moving, but also a joyous event," Ellis said. "It's bittersweet." \nFor more information, visit www.hoosiersoutruncancer.org.