Indiana University Athletics
IU Athletes Participate in Hoosiers Outrun Cancer
10/7/2006 12:00:00 AM | General
Oct. 7, 2006
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Dozens of Indiana University athletes were among the thousands of Bloomington community members who participated in the Seventh Annual Hoosiers Outrun Cancer event on Saturday, Oct. 7. The 3.1-mile race, which winds through the IU campus, will help raise funds for the Bloomington Hospital Olcott Center for Cancer Education.
"I just think any time we can assist in promoting great events, it's something we're looking for," women's soccer head coach Mick Lyon said. "Many of our players have friends and family that have been affected by the dreaded disease of cancer, including my own family, which is why my wife is such a big part of this race. Also, Joan Olcott is a huge supporter of IU women's soccer. It's our opportunity to give back a little bit by coming here and cheering on the runners."
Olcott, a breast cancer survivor, and her late husband Lloyd helped found the Olcott Center in 1998. The mission of Hoosiers Outrun Cancer is to raise funds in support of the Olcott Center and to create awareness of the services available at the Center for people diagnosed with cancer, as well as their families and caregivers.
Athletes from several IU teams, including both basketball squads, both soccer teams, and field hockey, came out to participated in the event.
"I've done it every year since I've been here," men's basketball guard Rod Wilmont said. "It's a great thing, especially for one of our teammates because his sister died from cancer. We come out here every year to support him and support the community, and it's a good thing for the team to come together at the same time."
According to field hockey coach Amy Robertson, the event is key not only for its dedication to cancer research, but also for the Hoosiers to do their part in the community.
"Events like this are important for the community, and I feel as athletes we're a part of the community," Robertson said. "We want to try to support Bloomington and support good causes as much as possible. We're excited to have the opportunity to be here and show our faces and give the same support that everyone else is giving out here."
Unique to Bloomington and its innovative hospital, the Olcott Center for Cancer Education is completely supported by the community. The main source of funding is the annual Hoosiers Outrun Cancer event. The inaugural event was held in October 2000 with 2,500 participating. It is now an annual event drawing over 4,000 to run or walk in Bloomington, Indiana's largest 5K.
In addition to the 5K run, there is a 5K walk, 1-Mile Kids Run for the 12 and under, and a 1-mile Family Fun Walk. Many proudly display the names of those whose memories they honor and lives they celebrate due to cancer. An additional 150 volunteers devote countless hours to make the day meaningful and fun. Hoosiers Outrun Cancer has raised over $850,000 from 2000 through 2005. It is expected to raise $140,000 this year.
