Steve's 5k to Run Down Cancer 2016

It's the 2nd Annual Steve’s 5k to Run Down Cancer event in Honeoye Falls, New York. Here's the reason why to run from the organizer:

The event is being held in honor of my brother, Steve Rettke, a champion, a friend, and an avid runner who passed after a 5 year long battle with cancer in February 2014, on his 30th birthday.  The event will raise money for the Wilmot Cancer Institute as well as raise awareness for Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor, a rare and lethal sarcoma that can surface in both children and young adults.

For the run, they are awarding cash prizes to overall winners in open, masters, and veteran categories as well as a special bonus to the overall M/F winner who breaks last year’s course record. There's a special cash award and trophy for the M/F 5k finisher who has the fastest time at the 1/2 mile mark.  The Children’s Fun Run will take place at 10 am.  Additionally, they will have special guests from the Wildlife Educators Coalition presenting in the morning.

About Steve Steve Rettke was a hero in so many ways. His courage and strength set him apart as someone to look up to. While at SUNY Brockport, Steve worked hard to become a great cross country runner after only being introduced to the sport as a college freshman. When Steve was diagnosed with Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor in his early twenties, he continued to push himself. He ran every moment he was able. Steve loved running at Mendon Ponds Park. Well, first he would run to the park from his apartment in Henrietta, and then he would run effortlessly on the park’s challenging and beautiful trails. And when not running at Mendon, he would bike there or fish with friends. Mendon Ponds Park seemed like the natural place to have a race in honor of Steve. Steve’s favorite event on the track was the half mile. As tribute, the first male and female runners at the half mile mark will receive a special award. In addition to being a loving son, brother, and fiancé, Steve was a proud uncle to his young twin nephews. Steve’s nephews, along with other children, will be able to participate in a kids’ run in addition to other fun activities that will be available to our young participants.

A lot of donors and sponsors have come together to make these prizes happen and last year the event collected $5,000 that went to the Wilmot Cancer Institute. We were happy to give our support in donating these Run Down Cancer logo stickers to go to all runners contributing funds to the cause. It's a great way for people to show off their support in the fight against cancer and spread more awareness to an event that is only a small battle in our larger war against this terrible disease.