Stretch those calves and lace up those shoes, because the Casa Grande Community & Hospital Foundation #BeBrave event in partnership with Banner Casa Grande Medical Center is less than one month away. The race includes a half marathon, 5K and one-mile walk. It raises money to provide mammograms for uninsured and underinsured patients at Banner Imaging Casa Grande, 1828 E. Florence Blvd.
Registration remains open through Jan. 30, 2020. Supporters who choose not to run can instead “Dream for Charity” and support the program directly. The races all take on a flat course, making it a perfect opportunity for first-time participants or those wanting to take their running abilities to the next level. Events begin with the half marathon at 7:30 a.m., followed by the 5K at 7:45 a.m. and 1-mile walk at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2020 at Central Arizona College, 8470 N. Overfield Rd, Coolidge.
This year marks the 7th Annual running of the #BeBrave for this event and participants will receive a custom Finisher’s Medal designed specifically for the race. Shown below, the 2020 medal joins those designed for the 2019 race—as well as races planned for 2021 and 2022—to create a circle celebrating breast cancer awareness.
If you couldn’t make it to last year’s event, you can take part in the #BeBrave Virtual Race. A virtual race is one that can be run at any location. You can walk, use the treadmill, run outside or participate in another event and submit your verification. All virtual race participants will receive a 2019 event finisher’s medal.
The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show about 5,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer a year in Arizona. The disease claimed the lives of 850 women in 2016, which is the most recent year reported, making breast cancer the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the state.
It’s recommended women ages 45 to 54 at average risk for breast cancer undergo a mammogram every year.
“Participants in the #BeBrave Half Marathon, 5K and one-mile walk help save lives through the mammogram screening program,” said said Kaitee Doll-Bell, executive director of the Foundation at Banner Casa Grande Medical Center. “We hope to help as may people as we can through these fundraising efforts, providing them the ability to detect breast cancer early. Reducing financial barriers is a critical part of achieving this goal.”
Special awards will be given to top male and female finishers in both the half marathon and 5K events. For more information on this event and to register, go to casagrandehalfmarathon.com.
