Walk Kansas 5K for the Fight and Fun Walk to Support K-State Cancer Research May 7
Thursday, April 28, 2016
MANHATTAN — Walk Kansas, a statewide health initiative organized by K-State Research and Extension, will hold its inaugural Walk Kansas 5K for the Fight and 1.5-mile fun walk Saturday, May 7, and donate all proceeds to the Johnson Cancer Research Center at Kansas State University. The event is open to everyone, not just Walk Kansas participants.
The event will start at the Johnson Cancer Research Center, which is in Chalmers Hall on the university's Manhattan campus, 1711 Claflin Road. The timed 5K will start at 10 a.m. and the fun walk will start shortly afterward. Check-in will be from 8:30 to 9:45. Early packet pickup will also be available 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, May 6, at the cancer research center, 1 Chalmers Hall.
Registration is online at runsignup.com/Race/KS/Manhattan/WalkKansas5K. The cost after April 23 is $30 for the 5K and $25 for the fun walk. All participants receive high-quality souvenir water bottles and other small items, as well as water and postrace snacks.
Medals will go to the fastest three males and females in each age category: 19 and under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70 and older. Timing will be managed by Manhattan Cross Country Club, which uses the IPICO chip timing system.
The 5K route will go from the cancer research center north to Kimball Avenue and around Bill Snyder Family Stadium. The 1.5-mile fun walk will go south to circle around main campus. Route maps and parking information are on the Walk Kansas 5K for the Fight website.
"We are so excited for this perfect partnership," said Marcia Locke, communications and outreach coordinator for the Johnson Cancer Research Center. "Exercise, nutrition and maintaining a healthy weight all reduce cancer risk, and Walk Kansas has helped thousands of people reach fitness goals over the years."
This year's event will honor the memories of Ann Religa, Harvey County Extension 4-H agent, Newton, and Rod Buchele, Southwest Area Extension 4-H specialist, Garden City, who lost their lives to cancer in 2015.
"We're pleased to offer an event for Walk Kansas enthusiasts to come together for fitness, fun and K-State cancer research, and to honor Ann and Rod, who were revered K-State Research and Extension professionals," said Sharolyn Jackson, Extension specialist in family and consumer sciences and Walk Kansas state coordinator.
The Johnson Cancer Research Center supports and advances cancer research and education at Kansas State University. Its programs are made possible by private donations. Information is at cancer.k-state.edu.
