The 13th annual ScopeItOut 5K, presented by national non-profit Colorectal Cancer Alliance, took place Sunday, March 18, in the heart of downtown Washington, D.C.
Coincidentally, this year’s race was held on National Awkward Moments Day. With colorectal cancer still viewed as an uncomfortable topic of discussion for many people, despite being one of the most common types of cancer, the Alliance encouraged participants and the community to raise awareness and take the topic from awkward to ordinary.
“There’s nothing quite like seeing our nation of allies come together on Pennsylvania Avenue, wearing blue and making it known that colorectal cancer is a senseless killer, and we need to end it,” says Kelly Russo, Director of RunWalk and Volunteer Engagement. “The energized crowd of survivors, caregivers, doctors, and everyone else there made me feel proud and hopeful for the future.”
More than 2,000 allies united during DC ScopeItOut 5K, raising more than $300,000 in our nation’s capital. Walkers and runners alike made the 2018 ScopeItOut the most successful yet.
Of the funds raised, $200,000 will be donated to The Ruesch Center at Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. The center is the District of Columbia’s only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and seeks to prevent, treat, and cure cancers.
Participants had the opportunity to raise funds either as individuals or as teams. Altogether, participants raised tens of thousands of dollars.
Top individual fundraisers:
Will Zettler - $6,500
Meredith Provencher - $6,325
Kitty Knell - $5,475
Megan McNulty - $4,890
Doug Goudie - $3,831
Top team fundraisers:
Team Michelle Benaim - $29,528
Team Andrew - $26,775
Team Angelina - $17,487
The PA Team - $8,960
Deloitte - Remembering Rich - $8,575
“The fundraising component of ScopeItOut is critical to its success and advancing our mission,” Russo says. “We’re overwhlemed by the clear effort given by these individuals and teams, along with all the others who want to end this disease within our lifetime.”
Of course, a 5K has winners in terms of running time, too.
Top male finishers:
Thomas Kelly - 16:10
Wilson Komen - 17:35
Jimmy Schneidewind - 17:47
Simon Oliver - 17:52
Jason Coates - 18:01
Top female finishers:
Jillian Pollack - 18:22
Susannah Kvasnicka - 19:21
Jessica Mcguire - 19:28
Lisa Gallagher - 19:49
Fuxia Stankus - 20:13
This year's ScopeItOut was planned with the newly formed ScopeItOut Volunteer Committee led by Shannon White and Mike Swallow. The group of dedicated volunteers met for months working with staff to flesh out the details of everything from event promotion to the event experience.
The committee made possible a festival atmosphere for the 5K. Survivors were treated to free chair massages in the survivor tent, participants received free coffee from the Dunkin Donuts food truck and parents and kids alike were able to have their faces painted. Capping it off was a visit from one of the Nationals’ mascots, Teddy.
Sponsors were MedStar Georgetown - The Ruesch Center; Inova Schar Cancer Institute; Deloitte; Epi proColon; and K&L Gates. In-kind sponsors were Celebrating You, The Spa; Capital Area Runners; Dunkin Donuts; Target; Trader Joe’s; Costco Wholesale; WSC; Wegmans; JW Marriott Washington, DC; and Pacers Running.
Weren’t in DC for ScopeItOut? The Colorectal Cancer Alliance has more 5Ks on the docket around the country. Check to see if the Undy RunWalk is coming to your town!
In March, we observe National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Join us as we build our nation of passionate allies, fiercely determined to end this disease within our lifetime.