The Putnam City Schools will hold the fifth annual PC Cancer Classic on Saturday, Nov. 3. The 5-kilometer race and a 1-mile fun run will take place at Stars and Stripes Park and will benefit cancer research at OMRF.
When the Putnam City Schools first organized the race in 2008 to raise money for cancer research at OMRF, about 600 people showed up.
“It was a good turnout, and once it became a tradition, it really took off,” said Western Oaks Elementary Principal Stephanie Treadway, who chairs the event. This year she expects more than 1,000 participants, including hundreds in the fun run.
“The fun run is geared toward families, from parents pushing strollers to children walking hand-in-hand with their parents or grandparents,” she said. “And this year, Rumble the Bison is coming to have fun with the participants. It will be a real thrill for the kids.”
The 5k run starts at 8:30 a.m. and registration is $25. The fun run begins at 10 a.m. and costs $10. Entry forms for both events are available online at www.pccancerclassic.com.
For $35 runners can have the name of a loved one whose life has been affected by cancer listed on the race T-shirt. All runners and walkers who register for the event by Oct. 19 will receive a Putnam City Cancer Classic T-shirt for participating.
Putnam City Schools began raising money for cancer research in 1975 and, to date, have donated more than $3 million to OMRF. In addition to purchasing laboratory equipment and supplies, the cancer drive established the Putnam City Schools Distinguished Chair in Cancer Research at OMRF, which is held by Linda Thompson, Ph.D.
OMRF’s focus on cancer research yields positive results. In recent years, OMRF researchers have discovered genes linked to prostate and colon cancer, possible genetic therapies to make current treatments more effective and an experimental drug to fight a type of deadly brain cancer.
“This is great for the community and the district,” Treadway said. “It’s so exciting to see students, teachers, parents and the rest of Oklahoma City coming together for one cause—to fight cancer.”
