Race For Hope Announces Ambassador

 20 Year Anniversary for the Race For Hope  The 20 year anniversary and celebration of the annual Siouxland Race For Hope is scheduled for Saturday September 17, 2016 at Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve in McCook Lake, SD. It is expected to draw hundreds of people and is one of the largest events of its type in Siouxland with competitive races as well as “family friendly” walking and a kid’s fun run. This event calls on cancer survivors, families, caregivers and the community, as cancer has touched the lives of most everyone.Last year’s event drew a record breaking crowd of over 1100-plus participants and raised record breaking funds at over $65,000. All funds stay local to enhance the quality of care given to cancer patients and their families through the June E. Nylen Cancer Center.To kick off the event is a blessing and dove release for those involved. The post race includes a party with food, drink, a live duo band and time to socialize. There will also be an awards ceremony for those in the competitive events and recognition of the race ambassadors, sponsors and cancer survivors.The 2016 event will be a double celebration for Jean Gill, who will be honored as race ambassador as she serves her final year as race director. Gill “sold” the Cancer Center board on the idea of the race more than 20 years ago and has led the event ever since. “The Race for Hope has become the celebration that I have always dreamed it would be, “Gill says. “I’m so thankful to the committee members, volunteers and participants who have helped along the way to make this event so successful.”Jean is an avid runner and knows what it takes to get competitive runners to this event as well for those who like to leisurely run and walk. “We all know someone who has been affected by cancer, be it family members or friends,” says Gill, “this race is a celebration of all of those people’s lives, and is an amazing accomplishment for all those involved.”The registration fee includes a FREE QUARTER-ZIP, LONG SLEEVE DRY-FIT JACKET with thumb holes for adults if registered before September 1st. The price for those under the age of 19 is $15, and for kids under 10 the cost is only $10 and includes a dry-fit race t-shirt. Everyone can participate; there is a place on the website to donate even if you would like to sleep in! Competitive Races: l 15K Run at 8:30 a.m. ($30) l 5 K Run at 9:00 a.m. ($30)                                                    .                                                               (Price includes the quarter zip, long sleeve dry-fit jacket with thumb holes)Non-Competitive: 15 K walk at 9:00a.m. ($25) (Includes the quarter zip, long sleeve dry-fit jacket with thumb holes)                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Kids Fun Run at 8:35 a.m. ($10) (Includes a dry-fit T-shirt)We would like to thank our premier race sponsors who have donated for numerous years, US Bank and Scheels.To register go online to www.siouxlandraceforhope.com and click “Get Registered”. For more information go to the website or call the June E. Nylen Cancer Center at (712) 252-0088.