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TORONTO -- Keeping memories alive and helping others who are fighting cancer are things that make an annual running and walking event in Toronto special.
This year’s Lou Ann Burchfield and Kathy Hannan Hale Colors of Cancer Memorial 5K Run-Walk is scheduled for Aug. 8, organizers explained.
With an entry option available to participants of nearly any age, the event is nearing an important point in the registration process: The deadline to complete an entry and receive a T-shirt is Monday, organizers explained. No shirts will be available to those who register after Monday, they added. The shirts carry the theme of “We Fight Cancers in All Colors with Every Single Step.”
It’s the fourth-annual event, and one that honors Burchfield and Hannan.
Burchfield, a 1980 graduate of Toronto High School, operated a daycare business in her home for 15 years and was a member of the Nazarene Church. She was 46 when she died in 2008.
Hale was a familiar figure in Toronto, working as a clerk at the Ben Franklin Store and Stacey’s IGA in the Gem City. Cancer took her life at the age of 70 in 2023.
Tri B’s Coffee Shop will again be the hub for race activities. The location at 241 N. Fourth St. is where race-day registration will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and where the events will begin. The 5K run-walk timed events, with registration fees of $25, will begin at 9 a.m. That’s also the starting time for the 5K leisure run or walk, which carries a registration fee of $20 and will be a non-timed event. The kids rainbow dash is open to children 12 and under and will begin at 10:30 a.m. It carries a registration fee of $10.
There’s also a virtual option available, with an entry fee of $25.
Runners and walkers will follow a flat scenic route along the Ohio River, which makes the event perfect for runners and walkers of all levels, organizers said.
Proceeds will benefit Sunshine Charities Inc. and will help local families who are battling cancer, providing transportation, co-pays, gasoline, traveling, lodging and more.
Drawings for baskets also will be held, organizers said. The baskets will be available for viewing during packet pickup at Tri B’s on Aug. 7. Winners will be selected at the race.
After the race, Tri B’s will be selling specialty drinks, with proceeds benefiting Sunshine Charities.
Participants in the annual event traditionally have worn colors representing cancers that have touched their lives, including pink for breast cancer, white for lung cancer, orange for leukemia or kidney cancer, light blue for prostate cancer, gold for cancers that affect children and any of the many other colors that stand for numerous types of cancers.
For race information or to register, visit runsignup.com/Race/OH/Toronto/ColorsofCancerMemorial5K.