If an 11-year-old can run for a cure, so can you!
In October 2013, Maggie Skinner ran her first 5K race at the LA Cancer Challenge (LACC), a 5K/10K charity walk/run that benefits pancreatic cancer research. For 12 years, it was a Skinner family tradition to be a part of the LACC in honor of a family friend who died in 2002 from pancreatic cancer. Since then, the family honors their dear friend each year by walking or running the charity race, but for Maggie, she wanted to do more than just cheer on her parents and other runners and walkers from the sideline. She wanted to run a 5K…and she did!
Maggie was determined to run the 5K at the next LACC. So, she and her dad, Matt sat down and mapped out their goals. Then, over the next ten months it was all about training which began by running around the block near her home in Rancho Park. Through the good, bad and ugly of their training sessions, Matt had used various motivational techniques including bribing Maggie with candy and chocolate chip cookies. Over time, her mileage increased to reaching her personal best of 2.65 miles.
The time has come and she was ready to tackle her second 5K and Maggie’s ten month training is about to be tested. Although she felt a little intimidated running with thousands of people on race day, she swallowed her fear and grabbed her mother’s hand and persevered: Mile 1 (still running), dad asks if she was okay, she replied, “shhhh, dad!”; mile 2 (still running), dad asks if she wants some water, she replied, “It’s too cold out for water.” and mile 3 (still running), Maggie said to her dad, “I can see the finish. It looks like I’m gonna beat you!” Maggie crossed the finish line with confidence and with a sense of accomplishment. Her official time was 34:51 ranking 3rd place in the 0-9 girls division.
Maggie took a stand in helping to bring awareness about pancreatic cancer proving that no matter how old you are, you have power to help!
The 19th Annual LA Cancer Challenge will take place on Sunday, October 30 at its new home, UCLA and Maggie will run again hoping to beat her previous time and shed light on a disease that has took the lives of thousands of people.
It’s fun for the whole family
Children of all ages are welcome. Children being pushed in strollers do not need to register. Children running in the Kids Can Cure Fun Run need to be registered, and will receive a finishers prize. Adults can bring their children and either walk the 5K/10K with them, push them in a stroller, or leave them with another adult from your party in the expo area while you race. (There will be lots for kids to do but they need to be supervised).
Last year, children as young as five walked or ran the entire 5K! Families walking the race should start at the back of the line and allow the competitive runners to take off first.
5K/10K
You can register for the 5K OR 10K, or both the 5K AND 10K! This is a chip-timed event, so it’s a great way to beat or set your a personal best. Walk, jog, or run! Participants can be as young as eight years old.
Pricing for 5K or 10K
10/1 – 10/28: $45
10/28-10/30: $50
Pricing for both the 5K and 10K
10/1 – 10/28: $50
10/28-10/30: $55
Kids Can Cure Fun Run for ages 2 – 7 years old
The Kids Can Cure Fun Run is for children ages 2 to 7 years old to participate in the LACC. It is a very short race. The youngest runners (2-4 years) to go first (very young children can have parents accompany them), followed by 5-7 year olds. Kids will follow “The Bee” around the Expo and participate in our Children’s Costume Parade. The Fun Run is non-competitive and is not timed. Strollers, bikes and scooters are not allowed during the kids race.
Pricing for Kids Can Cure Fun Run
10/1 – 10/28: $20
10/28-10/30: $25
Sign up for the Kids Can Cure Fun Run and help us Run Pancreatic Cancer Out of Town!
Fit Family Expo
The Fit Family Expo is not to miss. It has ongoing music and entertainment, sponsored food and beverages, and health and fitness booths. It includes a Halloween Kids Zone with a bounce house, pumpkin arts and crafts, snacks and much more.
Dress in costume and enter the Costume Contest
Prizes will be awarded in various categories including Best Adult, Best Team and Best Volunteer. Costumes must be family-friendly.
NOTE: You do not need to RUN in your Halloween costume. There will be a complimentary gear check area to store your belongings while you race.
Be Virtual Runner or Volunteer
If you can’t attend the event, you can participate by registering as a virtual runner. Virtual runners can register as individuals or be part of a team and it only requires a $25.00 donation. Virtual runners can fundraise and be eligible for fundraising awards.
You can also volunteer at the event! A wide selection of volunteer opportunities will be available on event-weekend and earlier dates. Invite your friends and family to join you, dress up for Halloween, and help make this magical event the best one yet.
Details: 19th Annual L.A. Cancer Challenge
Where: UCLA
When: Sunday, October 30th, 2016
Why: To shed light on pancreatic cancer, which takes the lives of thousands of people every year
The event benefits: The Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research
REGISTER HERE
Giveaway: Family Four-Pack registration for the 19th Annual L.A. Cancer Challenge
This giveaway is for registration of two adults and two children. The winner must register by 10/24/16.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. Registration has been comped in exchange for a pre-race and post-race blog post. Images and copy provided by L.A. Cancer Challenge and the Hirshberg Foundation for pancreatic cancer research. All opinions are my own.
Would be a nice way to spend the day with the family 🙂
This is perfect timing. I’ve been looking for a good fun run for my kids! My son would run his heart out for a great cause!