'Challenge' 5K supports Purdue cancer research

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The ninth annual Purdue Challenge 5K run/walk that benefits the Purdue University Center for Cancer Research will begin at 8:30 a.m. on April 16.

The race, which is open to the public, begins and ends at Ross-Ade Stadium after navigating 3.1 miles through the north edge of campus.

Registration is $30. Participants may register online or in person at the north end of Ross-Ade from 4-7 p.m. on April 15, or from 7-8 a.m. on April 16, the day of the race. Participants also may opt to "Sleep-in for The Challenge,” or be a team member and create a personalized fundraising page without running in the race.

In 2015, the Challenge raised more than $100,500 and had more than 1,750 participants and 97 volunteers, including head football coach and honorary chair Darrell Hazell. Since 2008, it has raised more than $490,000 toward cancer research, which is awarded through a competitive grant process to Purdue researchers whose projects support an innovative idea that will generate high impact in the field of cancer.

This year's grant was awarded to Vincent Jo Davisson, a professor in the Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, for “Synthetic Lethal Antagonist Combinations Targeting DNA Repair Protein Interactions,” and Chang Kim, a professor in the Department of Comparative Pathobiology, for “Impact of Gut Microbial Metabolites on Colon Cancer Development;”  For a list of projects that have received The Challenge grant, visit the Center for Cancer Research's website.

At 10 a.m. the day of the race, Leroy Keyes will present the Cuonzo Martin Challenge Award, honoring former men's basketball player and coach and cancer survivor Cuonzo Martin, to a student organization with the most donations. The Community Challenge Award also will be given to any group not classified as student, faculty or staff with the highest donation total. The Leroy Keyes Faculty/Staff Challenge award will be presented to a faculty/staff team. The top individual fundraiser will also win a prize package from local businesses and a miniature Hammer Down Cancer helmet. Group awards include a pizza party provided by Puccini's for up to 20 people, a plaque and a miniature Hammer Down Cancer helmet.

Purdue Center for Cancer Research sponsors the Challenge with support from others, including Purdue Federal Credit Union, IU Health Arnett Cancer Care, Franciscan St. Elizabeth Health, Purdue Alumni Association, Dowell Automotive Repair Inc., Arni's Restaurant, Parkwest Fitness, Basham Rentals, and Subaru of Indiana Automotive Inc. For more information and a complete list of sponsors, visit The Challenge website or the Center for Cancer Research's Facebook and Twitter accounts and use the #PurdueChallenge hashtag.

The Purdue Center for Cancer Research was founded in 1978 and is designated as a National Cancer Institute Basic Cancer Center. The center studies cancer starting at the cellular level to discover how cancers develop, progress and respond to treatment.

Traffic will be disrupted around parts of campus, said Purdue police Lt. Keene Red Elk. Road closures will include:

* Martin Jischke Drive from Tower to Third streets from approximately 8:30-9:15 a.m.

* Third Street from Martin Jischke Drive to McCormick Road from approximately 8:35-9:25 a.m.

* McCormick Road from Third Street to Cherry Lane from approximately 8:35-9:35 a.m.

* Cherry Lane eastbound from McCormick Road from approximately 8:40-9:45 a.m.

* Cherry Lane westbound will have slow traffic to the golf course for the duration of the event. 

Contact: Julie Hendon, manager of donor relations for the Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, 765-494-1109, jkhendon@prf.org