Get Your Rear in Gear 5K Run/Fun Walk Coming to Chattanooga March 12, 2011
Race to raise awarness for colon and rectal cancer.

More than 500 participants are expected to attend the first annual Get Your Rear in Gear 5K Run/Walk in Chattanooga on Saturday, March 12, 2011 on Chattanooga’s Riverwalk at C.B. Robinson Bridge. Runners, walkers and colon cancer survivors will join race emcee Jed Mescon of WRCB Channel 3 News to raise funds and awareness regarding the importance of colon cancer screenings, and to provide support for those affected by the nation’s number two cancer killer. Funds raised at the event will be invested in local projects designed to increase awareness of colorectal cancer, improve access to screenings and offer support to those touched by the disease.

Event director, Dr. Shauna Lorenzo-Rivero, colorectal surgeon for University Surgical Associates, describes why she chose to organize the event in Chattanooga.

“Get Your Rear in Gear Chattanooga 5K Race and Fun Walk is intended to remind us all that through fitness and fellowship, colon cancer is preventable, treatable and beatable,” said Dr. Lorenzo. “This is especially important in the state of Tennessee, which has one of highest rates of colon cancer in the nation and lowest rates of screening. It is our belief this race and fun walk will generate much-needed awareness and additional funds that we can use to better educate the region on issues regarding colon and rectal cancer.”

Get Your Rear in Gear Chattanooga is a joint collaborative led by University Surgical Associates, Erlanger Health System, Memorial Health Care System, and Parkridge Health System, and sponsored by Modern Way Printing, Merrill Lynch, Digestive Health Associates, Galen Gastroenterology, Diagnostic Pathology Services, Karl Storz Endoscopy, Panera Bread, EarthFare, Jason’s Deli, Costco, and A Better You Salon and Day Spa.

Participants may register online in advance of race day or on race day at the race site beginning at 9:30 a.m. The 5K race will begin at 11 a.m. with race awards and survivor recognition following at noon. The Fun Run/Walk will commence at 1 p.m. Those interested in volunteering their time on race day may do so by calling (423) 757-0716.

Get Your Rear in Gear 5K Run/Walk events are presented nationally by the Colon Cancer Coalition, a non-profit organization based in Minneapolis, Minn. Their mission is to ensure that all citizens have adequate information and access to screening for colorectal cancer. There are currently over 30 Get Your Rear in Gear events scheduled in cities around the country. A history of the organization and a list of upcoming and past events can be found at http://www.getyourrearingear.com/.