Organizers expect event to be a banner year, drawing in more people than ever before
By Kellen Olshefski
SLN Staff
The fourth annual Cancer Assault Challenge is set to kick off tomorrow and organizers expect it to be a banner year for the event.
Chairperson Julie Lopez said with just pre-registration, the number of attendees signed up for this year’s fourth annual event has already surpassed the total, including on-site registration, from last year.
“This is a banner year for us,” she said. “It’s crazy the response we have had this year.”
For this year’s event, organizers have set a fundraising goal of $28,000 or more. In 2015 the event had more than 500 runners and raised almost $25,000.
This year’s event will again feature two challenging obstacle courses, fit for runners of all skill levels out at Lutherdale Ministries, N7891 Highway 12, Elkhorn.
Courses include a 5K run with 15 obstacles made up of water, climbing, endurance and “lots of mud.” For those who might find the 5K daunting, the event also features a 1-mile, eight obstacle “couch potato” course, designed for adults of all ages and children younger than 13.
This year’s beneficiary of proceeds raised through the event will be the MACC Fund and will help to support the organization’s efforts in research for pediatric cancer and blood disorders in Wisconsin.
“The Assault Challenge Foundation is very excited to partner with the MACC Fund this year,” Lopez said. “The extraordinary work that they have done has affected many in the state of Wisconsin and across the country.
“We look forward to working together to make a difference.”
Sunday’s opening ceremonies – beginning at 8:30 a.m. – will feature MACC Fund Executive Director John Cary and guest speaker Tim Kujawa.
Kujawa has assaulted cancer since he diagnosed with Sarnovial Carcinoma in July of 1989. He met Cary shortly after his diagnosis at Children’s Hospital and the two have been friends ever since. Likewise, Kujawa has been an active supporter of the MACC Fund over the years, participating in numerous fundraising events and serving as a constant inspiration.
“The MACC Fund is pleased to benefit from this unique and exciting event,” President and Co-Founder of the MACC Fund Jon McGlocklin said.
“Kids love to play in puddles and mud; why shouldn’t adults have fun doing that too while helping children with cancer and blood disorders?”
Online registration for the event is available through Friday, May 13, though those interested can register on site on Sunday morning. Packet pick-up and registration begins at 8 a.m.
About the foundation
The Cancer Assault Challenge was originally started four years ago by Julie and Henry Lopez. While heavily involved in small events, the couple decided their efforts would be better served by coordinating one large event that was more locally focused.
In 2015, the couple founded the Assault Challenge Foundation, a non-profit organization, and along with board members look to continue to create a fun event that will appeal to families and youth in not only the community, but surrounding areas and further.
