12th annual Challenge 5K supports cancer research; all donations going to Tyler Trent Cancer Research Endowment

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The 12th annual Purdue Challenge 5K run/walk, which supports cancer research at the Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, will begin at 8:30 a.m. on April 13.

The race, which is open to the public, will commence with the sounding of Purdue’s Big Bass Drum at the intersection of Cherry Lane and Steven Beering Drive, and will end at Ross-Ade Stadium. Registration for the race is $25 for students and $30 for non-students until Monday (April 1). After April 1, registration will be $30 for students and $35 for non-students. Participants may register online or in-person at the north end of Ross-Ade from 4-6:30 p.m. April 12, or from 7-8:15 a.m. April 13, 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.

Last year, the Challenge attracted nearly 2,000 participants. With 100 percent of the proceeds going toward cancer research, the race has raised more than $835,000 for the cause since its beginning. The funds from the race gives Purdue researchers the opportunity to pursue groundbreaking work that allows them to make an impact on such an important area of study through discovery and innovation. This year, all donations will go to the Tyler Trent Cancer Research Endowment.

Registration includes a T-shirt, pizza from Arni’s and a beer for participants ages 21 and over who present a valid ID. Along with the Big Bass Drum, the Boilermaker Special also will be present at the race. The giant video board in the stadium will be running throughout the race and will show race participants as they cross the finish line.

The honorary emcee will be Purdue football coach Jeff Brohm, who will speak before the race. The Purdue Heart & Soul ensemble will sing the national anthem.

The Purdue Center for Cancer Research sponsors the Challenge, with support from many sponsors that enable 100 percent of participants’ registration fees and donations to go directly toward cancer research. The 2019 sponsors are Purdue Federal Credit Union, Arni’s, Michelob ULTRA, Bob Rohrman Subaru, Parkwest Fitness, Levy Restaurants, AT&T, IU Health Cancer Centers and the Purdue Alumni Association.

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 #TylerStrong and #LetsFinishOnTheField hashtags.

Source: Cheryl Pierce, administrative assistant for the Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, 765-494-8659, capierce@prf.org