It's Time to Get Your Rear in Gear, Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Nov. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Over 700 runners and walkers are expected to attend the third annual Get Your Rear in Gear® 5K Run/Walk in Alexandria and Tony Snow Mile for a Miracle on Saturday, November 5. The event is planned to raise awareness of the nation's number two cancer killer, and raise funds for colon cancer prevention, screening and education. The day will include opportunities for celebration of the survivors and support for caregivers and those who may have been left behind. Festivities begin at 8:30 a.m. at Fort Hunt Park in Alexandria. Many community leaders will be in attendance, as will Tony Snow's family, including his wife Jill, and their children, Kendall, Robbie and Kristi.

The Alexandria Get Your Rear in Gear is planned in honor of former White House Press Secretary Tony Snow, who lost his battle with colon cancer in 2008. Snow was a husband, father, friend, neighbor, journalist, commentator, musician, and inspiration for millions. "Tony was a big part of our lives," stated Alexandria event chair Jay McConville. "The memory of his caring nature, his warm smile and laugh, and his brave fight against colon cancer remains strong in our community. We are happy this event allows us to honor that memory with a true neighborhood event - the neighborhood he loved so much."

Funds raised at the Get Your Rear in Gear event will be donated to Fight Colorectal Cancer, a Washington D.C.-based organization whose mission is to educate and support patients, push for changes in policy that will increase and improve research, and empower survivors to raise their voices against the status quo. Money from previous Alexandria races was used to train volunteer advocates for the 2011 Call on Congress held in March. The advocacy program specifically looks to establish a national colorectal cancer screening and treatment program.

Saturday's festivities will begin at 8:30 a.m. with the Tony Snow Mile for a Miracle one-mile. The 5K Run and Walk will follow at 8:45 a.m. Dogs and strollers are welcome! Registration information is available online at http://www.getyourrearingear.com. Registration for this event is limited. Race day registration will be available at the event as space allows. Information about volunteering, fundraising, sponsoring an event or forming a team is also posted on the website.  

Local sponsors of the event include Digestive Disease Physicians, Performtech, Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce, Body and Sol, Chandler May, Safeway, Fort Hunt Youth Athletic Association, Hollin Hall Pastry Shop, Shaklee, and Jay & Sue McConville.

Get Your Rear in Gear® events are presented nationally by the Colon Cancer Coalition, a non-profit organization based in Minneapolis. The mission of Get Your Rear in Gear events is to ensure that all people have adequate information and access to screening for colon cancer. In 2011, 40 Get Your Rear in Gear races will occur in cities across the country. By making the words colon, colorectal and colonoscopy a part of the everyday language, we believe we can overcome the fear and decrease deaths from this largely preventable cancer. A history of the organization and a list of upcoming and past events can be found at http://www.getyourrearingear.com.

PRESS CONTACT:

Jay McConville, 703-624-6701
[email protected]

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SOURCE Colon Cancer Coalition