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

The Charles A. Kraenzle Colon Cancer Foundation announced today that Bristol-Myers Squibb has signed on to be the title sponsor of the 2006 Scope It Out 5K Run/Walk for Colon Cancer Awareness. The race, to be held in West Potomac Park on March 25 during National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, is expected to draw thousands of runners to raise colorectal cancer awareness in the nation's capital.

"We are honored to have Bristol-Myers Squibb as our title sponsor," said Race Director Charlotte Kraenzle. "Their support, and the support of the premier sponsors including Comcast and Genentech, will enable the Scope It Out 5K to save more lives through colorectal cancer prevention awareness."

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. Dr. Marshall is scheduled to speak during the 2006 race awards ceremony.

The Scope It Out 5K was started in memory of Kraenzle's father, Charles, who lost a two-year battle with colorectal cancer in 2002. More than 800 people participated in the inaugural race 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 8:00 AM sharp and race participants can pick up their packets at Pacers in Clarendon on Friday, March 24, or as early as 6:30 AM 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 9:00 AM.

*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 .

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