October is breast cancer awareness month, and a local racing company is getting things kicked off with a race and fundraiser on October’s first weekend.
This Saturday, Live Forward Performance will host a “Run for the Cure” at Freeman Park in Idaho Falls. The event starts at 9:00 a.m., but participants and attendees are encouraged to arrive by 8:30 to honor those affected by breast cancer.
Kaeti Richards, the communications manager for Live Forward Performance, said, “We want people there to be able to share with us in their journey, and also to be able to support all those who are going through breast cancer and their family members.”
The proceeds from the run go to the Shannon Wilker Foundation. The organization was created by Shane Wilker in memory of his wife, Shannon, who passed away after a battle with breast cancer in 2011. The foundation helps cancer patients and their families with expenses related to medical care, travel costs, counseling and more.
The race is sponsored and organized by Live Forward Performance. The Idaho Falls based company administers distance running events around the region.
“We put on several different races throughout the year,” Richards said. “This is just one of our annual races that we always put on. For a couple of our races we try to help out with charities.”
Run for the Cure happens annually and hosts a 1 mile and 5K race option. 10% of every individual entry fee and 20% of every team entry will go to the Shannon Wilker Foundation. Price for registration is $30 for the 5K and $20 for the 1 mile race.
At this year’s event, a raffle will also be held to raise additional funds. Tickets for the raffle will be available the morning of the race. There will also be a donation table where 100% of donated money will go to the foundation.
Prior to running, event directors take a few minutes to recognize those in attendance who have faced or are facing breast cancer. Each of those persons is given a rose. Participants are encouraged to wear pink to show support to those still fighting breast cancer.