Run with the Breast of Us” run/walk supports Institute’s breast cancer research

Brownsdale residents are bringing back a popular 5K run/walk from last year to offer another fun event during the city’s annual festival while raising support for The Hormel Institute’s cutting-edge breast cancer research.
On Aug. 2, the 2nd annual “Run with the Breast of Us” 5K run/walk will start at 8 a.m. at the Brownsdale Elementary School as part of Brownsdale Fest that day. The race, which raised $1,990 and drew more than 75 participants last year, was one of the main fundraisers for the first Brownsdale “Paint the Town Pink” initiative in 2013-14 that raised about $10,500 overall in support for breast cancer research at The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota.

This year’s “Run with the Breast of Us” is open to all ages, with registration at $23 per person (ages 13 and older) and $13 per child (ages 12 and younger). Registration fees include a T-shirt, bib number and refreshments after the 5K race, which is 3.1 miles long and will feature a course consisting of paved and gravel section with small hills throughout.
“We had a great turnout a year ago, and we’re excited to offer the race again,” said Megan Ellis, the main organizer. “So many people and families are affected by breast cancer, and this is a great way for them to help raise awareness and vital research dollars to fight back against it.”

For each age group, awards will be given to the top three males and top three females; the top three children also will get an award. Every race participant will receive a goodie bag with a variety of items from the event’s sponsors. A raffle also will take place before and after the race.

In 2013, Megan Ellis and her mother Tina Ellis started “Run with the Breast of Us” after Tina made a life-changing decision to get a double mastectomy. A year earlier, Tina went in for a routine breast exam that led to the discovery of a mass on her left breast.
Without hesitation, Tina chose to have a double mastectomy due to a strong history of cancer in her family.

To help fight breast cancer, Tina and Megan started “Run with the Breast of Us” to raise money that supports research at The Hormel Institute that is some of the best in the world in investigating ways to prevent and control breast cancer.

Registration forms with payment can be sent to: Run with the Breast of Us, 23343 580th Ave., Austin, MN, 55912. Forms are available online at ellismeg.wix.com/runwiththebreastofus or at the CHS gas station in Brownsdale.

Same-day registration will be an additional $2 person and available from 6 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. at the school. Race packet pickups can be done at the same time.

Check donations can be made to The Hormel Institute as part of the event before or on the same day as “Run with the Breast of Us.” For more information, call 507-589-0001.