The Third Annual Scope It Out 5K Run/Walk for Colon Cancer Awareness sponsored by Bristol-Myers Squibb will be held in West Potomac Park on March 24 during National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. The Charles A. Kraenzle Colon Cancer Foundation expects more than 3,000 participants to compete in this not-for-profit race to raise colorectal cancer awareness in the nation's capital. Congressmen Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Nathan Deal (R-GA), the Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Health, will serve as honorary co-chairs of this year's race.

"We are honored to have Bristol-Myers Squibb as our title sponsor again this year," said Race Director Charlotte Kraenzle. "And we appreciate Congressmen Pallone's, Congressman Deal's, and our sponsors' support in our efforts to encourage early detection of this highly preventable cancer."

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. According to the National Institute of Health, the District leads the nation with the highest colorectal cancer mortality rate. 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. If detected early, the five-year survival rate is greater than 90%.

"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 2007 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. Since its inception, the race has raised more than $95,000 in race proceeds and registered more than 2,400 participants. Proceeds have been donated to Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer, Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation, Colon Cancer Alliance, and National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance for colon cancer research and further colon cancer advocacy. This year's proceeds will be donated to Lombardi, CRPF, and CCA.

Premier sponsors of the 2007 race include Amgen, Capital Gastroenterology Consultants, Comcast, Sunnymoon Productions, and US Oncology.

Photo below: Start of the inaugural race in 2005.

Race Web site

Course records and age group winners for the first two years.

2006 Race Day Report.