Aiming for 1,000 in Race for Hope 2010

To prepare for the event, we have ceased accepting online registrations for the Race for Hope event, Saturday, Sept. 18.  You may still register at the Cancer Center, 230 Nebraska Street, Friday, September 17 - 10 a.m.  to 5 p.m., or Race day at the Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve 7 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.  If you need immediate assistance, call Pat at the Cancer Center, 712-252-9352. Find complete race info here. Each year, hundreds of Siouxlanders gather to run, walk and Race for Hope, and this year will be no different. Except that we need you to help us top 1,000 participants.Mark your calendars - the 14th annual Race for Hope is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 18 at Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve. And we’re expecting our biggest year yet, said race director Jean Gill.“This is already a huge event for the community, but this year we want to bring together Siouxlanders as never before,” she said. “Our aim is to draw 1,000 participants to share in the fight against all kinds of cancer and support the June E. Nylen Cancer Center.”Each year the event grows, attracting 600 people in 2008 and nearly 800 in 2009. Participants of all ages complete either a 5k or a 15k, competing for prizes, or just running or walking the course to support the Cancer Center.The race begins with a prayer and the ceremonial release of white doves. Then the adrenaline kicks in with a starting gunshot. “It’s a great race for competitive runners, as well as a great venue for connecting with family and enjoying a beautiful nature walk,” Gill said.Runners also can wear race bibs indicating whose cancer fight they are supporting. Last year, one girl’s sign read simply: “My Mom.”Whether you take part to support your mom, dad, a friend or a child, we know you’ll be there to support Siouxland’s fight against cancer.Remember to bring a friend.Thank you to our premier sponsors: U.S. Bank, KCAU Channel 9, and KG95/Clear Channel Radio.Sign up now and help us make the 2010 Race for Hope the most successful ever.185th National Guard chosen as Race AmbassadorsFor the first time, the Cancer Center has chosen a group – the 185th Air Refueling Wing of the Iowa Air National Guard  – to lead its Race for Hope.“The 185th Air Refueling Wing considers it to be a great honor to be selected as this year’s ambassadors,” said Marty Hogan, 185th spokesman.“The 185th prides itself on a long-standing tradition of positive community presence. It is in this presence that we are allowed to return the great partnership and support shown to us by the local Siouxland community.”The Air National Guard has in recent years increased its focus on fitness, Hogan said. “The Race for Hope has seen an increase in the number of unit and family members volunteering and participating each year. This event allows members a unique opportunity to combine their fitness goals, and increase unit morale and team building.”“Cancer has touched a great majority of us all and the 185th membership is no different,” Hogan said. “Many of our family, friends, and co-workers have been affected and this year the 185th will be challenging our members to run as a team, as an individual, and to keep in mind that we are running for a cause larger than any one of us.”