More than 1,000 runners and walkers turned out at Wheeler Park earlier this month to take strides in the fight against cancer – literally.
The ninth annual Putnam City Cancer Classic, which consisted of a 5-kilometer run/walk and a 1-mile fun run, raised more than $20,000 for cancer research at OMRF on Nov. 5. The event drew nearly 1,100 participants, an increased of 250 over 2015.
“We are thrilled with this year’s turnout, and it was a tremendous boost for us to see such a swell in participation,” said Putnam City physical education coordinator and event organizer Jason Hasty, who created the event in 2008. “This was incredibly encouraging and we’re looking forward to something special for our 10th anniversary next year.”
The run has become one of the largest events in PC Schools’ fundraising efforts for OMRF, which began in 1975. The district has now raised more than $3.4 million for research at the Oklahoma City biomedical research institute.
The cancer drive has aided in numerous breakthroughs, including research by Linda Thompson, Ph.D., leading to the world’s first genetic-based risk assessment test for breast cancer. Thompson holds the Putnam City Schools Distinguished Chair in Cancer Research at OMRF.
“The Putnam City Cancer Classic was a blast again and continues to stand out because of its universal benefits. It helps us raise money for a good cause, it brings the community together, and it gets people up and healthy,” said OMRF Director of Development Allison Parker. “It’s just a wonderful event all around, and we are thrilled with this year’s turnout.”
