Boxer 500 Canceled but Message Still Strong!
The 11th Annual 500 Walk/Run for Colon Cancer was canceled Sunday morning. Heavy rain and lightning posed safety concerns for the event that was held by Werner Park.
More than 600 people were expected to participate in the 5k race.
“For the safety of the runners and walkers we just felt it was best to cancel it and just enjoy the day with the run,” event coordinator and co-chairman Jeri Engen said.
Some participants spent weeks training for the race. Many made special accommodations for the event.
“I had to work late last night. I was looking forward and I thought, ‘Ugh. Getting up and getting ready.’ But I totally understand. The safety of everyone is more important,” Ben Houchin said.
The weather may have stopped the race, but it didn’t stop the party.
There was a pancake feed and live music under large tents.
Engen said the event isn’t about the run, it’s about spreading awareness.
“We still want to keep people aware of how important it is to get screened early. This is also a celebration for many, many survivors in Douglas County whose lives have been touched by colon cancer,” Engen said.
Medical expert Joseph Evans spoke with KETV Newswatch 7 about early detection.
He said it can be the difference between life or death and people should be getting screened starting at age 45.
“Having a colonoscopy, which I know is not everyone's favorite thing in the world, you can prevent a cancer which is very unique in medicine,” Evans said.
He said he hopes events like 500 Walk/Run for Colon Cancer continues spreading that message.
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