Minneapolis races to better prostate cancer awareness

MINNEAPOLIS – This year, hundreds of Minnesotans will join a national effort in the fight against prostate cancer. On Saturday, Sept. 27 at 9 a.m., the Fifth Annual Hartford PACE Race — which includes runners and walkers at all fitness levels — will help support the mission of the Prostate Cancer Education Council (PCEC) by raising awareness of prostate cancer. This event, which will take place at scenic Lake Nokomis, is part of the PCEC’s national PACE Race Series, which helps to educate men and their families on the importance of early detection.

“Although prostate cancer is often treatable when caught early, it continues to take the lives of thousands of men each year. Having lost my father to the disease, I have made it my personal mission to help educate others about the importance of early detection and screening,” said Mary Anderson, Race Director, Anderson Race Management. “Fighting cancer requires community education and we are excited to be a part of this PCEC event.”

The only race dedicated to prostate cancer awareness in Minnesota, The Hartford PACE Race provides an opportunity for the whole family to join the fight, with a 5K run/walk and a half mile kid’s race. Additionally, as part of their efforts to raise greater prostate cancer awareness in Minneapolis, the PCEC and The Hartford will provide gift bags for race participants and host a race-day prostate cancer education booth where people can talk to a doctor and pick up informational materials.

“Raising awareness about prostate cancer is extremely important to us, as the disease currently affects more than 2 million American men,” said Wendy Poage, President, Prostate Cancer Education Council. “With races throughout the country, we have a real opportunity to touch men in all walks of life and educate them, and their families, about this devastating disease.”

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer, other than skin cancers, in American men.