March 31, 2010                                                                          Contact: Matt Splett
                                                                                                      Media Coordinator
                                                                                                      splettm@health.missouri.edu 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                    (573) 882-5663

COLUMBIA, Mo. ─ You don’t have to work in a research lab to help find a cure for cancer. At 9 a.m. Saturday, May 8, hundreds of runners and walkers will take to the streets of Columbia for the eighth annual Jay Dix Challenge to Cure Race benefiting cancer research and treatment at Ellis Fischel Cancer Center.

The race schedule includes a 5K walk or run and a 10K run that will start together from Flat Branch Park at the corner of Fourth and Cherry streets. Children who aren’t participating in the race can play in a supervised fun area at Flat Branch Park.

First held in 2003, the race has grown in size and stature, while raising $109,000 to find a cure for cancer. The Jay Dix Challenge to Cure drew more than 600 runners and walkers last year, with 100 percent of the proceeds staying local to support Ellis Fischel Cancer Center.

Runners begin 2009 Jay Dix race

The race was established in memory of Jay Dix, M.D., a University of Missouri Health Care pathologist who fought his own battle with cancer. Dix served as the medical examiner for Boone and Callaway counties and was involved in several medical and research organizations. He also enjoyed competing as a triathlete.

“Having this annual event is nice because it gets people to remember Jay and what he did, but it also gets people out into a very healthy environment,” said Charles Caldwell, M.D., Ph.D., medical director of Ellis Fischel Cancer Center and the Cancer Research Center Missouri Chair in Cancer Research.

The event is organized annually by the Columbia Multisport Club, a local organization developed to encourage participation in road races, cycling races, triathlons and healthy lifestyles.

For more information, or to register for the race, please visit www.challengetocure.com. Completed registration forms can also be dropped off at Tryathletics at 1608 Chapel Hill Road, The Starting Block at 2902 Forum Boulevard, Suite 103, or the main information desks at Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, Columbia Regional Hospital or University Hospital.

Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, a part of University of Missouri Health Care, provides comprehensive cancer care to patients from every county in the state. More than 100 physician specialists and other trained professionals work together to improve and save the lives of cancer patients. Designated Missouri’s official state cancer center in 2004, Ellis Fischel services include inpatient and outpatient treatment and cancer screening.