On behalf of the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders, Freeholder Director Thomas A. Arnone and the Township Committee in Neptune Township will present the seventh annual Pound the Pavement for Purple 5K Run/2-Mile Walk in a virtual format.
“I’m happy to announce we will move forward with the seventh annual Pound the Pavement race this year, even if it means moving it to a virtual platform,” said Arnone, who is a co-founder of the race.
“Our friends and loved ones fighting this disease need our support now more than ever and we find it important to continue raising funds for pancreatic cancer research,” he said.
According to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, it is estimated that more than 57,000 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this year, which calculates to more than 158 people diagnosed per day. Pancreatic cancer is the third cause of death in the United States for men and women.
“While we won’t be able to meet in person this year, we know prior and new race participants will show their support by completing the run or walk on their own while continuing to spread awareness of this terrible disease,” Arnone said. “All proceeds will support our beneficiary, the Lustgarten Foundation, which is the largest private funder of pancreatic cancer research.”
Since its inception, the Pound the Pavement for Purple Race Committee has been able to donate more than $243,000 to the Lustgarten Foundation, according to a press release from the county.
“We are committed to accelerating the pace of pancreatic cancer research and giving patients and their families a reason to have an abundance of hope,” said Susanne Igneri, National Manager of Events at the Lustgarten Foundation.
“During these challenging times, we are honored to continue working with generous supporters like Monmouth County who are dedicated to helping us find a cure and changing patients’ lives,” she said.
Participants can register online until Sept. 24 and complete the run/walk on their own time, in any location, between Sept. 26 and Oct. 10 and then upload their results.
Online registrants will receive a T-shirt that can be picked up in-person from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Headliner in Neptune on Sept. 26. On-site registration will be available, but a T-shirt cannot be guaranteed.
To register, visit www.runsignup.com and search for Pound the Pavement for Purple VIRTUAL 5K and 2-Mile Walk. For more information, email poundforpurple@gmail.com or call 732-614-0438.
