The race is on to increase awareness in city with nation's highest colorectal cancer death rate*

The Second Annual Scope It Out 5K Run/Walk for Colon Cancer Awareness will be held in West Potomac Park on March 25 during National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. The Charles A. Kraenzle Colon Cancer Foundation, an all-volunteer, non-profit organization, expects more than 3,500 participants to compete in this race to raise colorectal cancer awareness in the nation's capital. Premier sponsors of the race include Genentech and Comcast.

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths for men and women combined in the United States, affecting men and women of all races equally. Yet if detected early, the five-year survival rate is greater than 90%. Colorectal cancer often has no symptoms, and most cases are not hereditary, which is why routine colonoscopies are so important. The colonoscopy is the only test which not only detects colon cancer, but also can prevent it.

"As many as 80% of the 150,000 annual cases of colon cancer could be prevented if only the colonoscopy were as commonly utilized as the mammogram and Pap smear," said Dr. John Marshall, director of developmental therapeutics and GI oncology and associate professor of oncology at Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center and 2005 race keynote speaker.

"'Scope It Out' is meant to serve as a reminder to others to get screened. I want people to find some humor in the race name, and I hope it encourages them to talk about colorectal cancer," said Race Director Charlotte Kraenzle. Kraenzle lost her father to colorectal cancer in 2002 after he battled the illness for two years. "This race was created in honor of my father, who loved sports and had a tremendous love of life."

Over 800 people participated in the first Scope it Out 5K in 2005, raising $20,000, which was donated to the Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation, Colon Cancer Alliance, and National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance for colon cancer research and further colon cancer awareness work. This year's race proceeds will also be donated to local cancer organizations including Lombardi.

Start time is 8 a.m. sharp and race participants can pick up their packets at Pacers in Clarendon on Friday, March 24, or as early as 6:30 a.m. on race day. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers in the following amounts: $500 for first place, $250 for second place, and $100 for third place. Other prizes will be given to top finishers in the following age groups: 19 & under, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35- 39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, and 80 & over. The post-race awards ceremony begins at 9 a.m.

To register for the race or get more information, visit the race website at www.scopeitout5k.com or e-mail .

*U.S. Cancer Statistics: 2002 Incidence and Mortality includes quality-assured incidence data from 43 states, six metropolitan areas, and the District of Columbia, covering 92 percent of the U.S. population. The full report is available at www.cdc.gov/cancer and www.seer.cancer.gov/statistics .