CALLING ALL OREGONIANS, RUNNERS, WALKERS AND FIGHT FOR A CAUSERS!
 

In just a couple weeks on Saturday, August 8th, 2016 the second annual 5K run "GET YOUR REAR IN GEAR" will take place at Mt. Tabor Park in SE Portland.   The following images were taken at last years event. 
 

My friend from high school, Dan, was diagnosed with colon cancer only a few years ago.  After radiation and chemo he finally decided to get a colostomy.  Thinking it would inhibit him from a normal life he was hesitant, however, he didn't have much of a choice if he wanted to continue to live at all.  A few years later and living a pretty much normal life and returning to his old habits and activities he is active with the Colon Cancer Coalition and was the director for the first GYRIG at Mt. Tabor Park last year.  Read his amazing story here:  Faces of Blue.
 

Dan and I at the First Annual GYRIG, PDX Event.
 

The Colon Cancer Coalition puts on the event but organizations including doctors, support teams and local business all take part and put up booths that mostly center around education.   Money raised goes towards awareness and screening within the local community.  They are just $3,000 away from attaining the goal of raising $25,000!  Many people don't realize colon cancer is the #2 cancer killer of both men and women and the problem is people are shy about openly talking about THOSE parts so word of mouth education and acceptance must be advocated!
 

Oregon Health and Sciences University (OHSU), Knight Cancer Institute was one of many proud sponsors and they had a team of educators stationed at the main gathering space to answer questions and provide lots of information on the disease and programs for diagnosis and treatment both within OHSU and nationwide.
 

Owner/Photographer
 

There were a medley of teams that participated and some had fun making special T-shirts to show off their group.  I think the best team photo goes to the girls giving the jumping high-five and the best t-shirt idea goes to Bottoms Up.  Having the team's adds camaraderie and more friendly competition to the event.  I look forward to seeing what people come up with this year and hope people get brave with their names and costumes - remember it is a fun run too!
 

Portland Running Company played a huge part in making the 5k run a great success.  They brought the START/FINISH line, the trackers and timers, cones, flags and did the final mapping for the course.  Although it ended up being just a hair less than a 5k run due to a slight miscommunication the participants still had a great time over very hilly terrain and had to be in good shape to finish among the first.  Mt. Tabor Park is actually an old volcano cone and the roads (which were closed for the race) wrap up and down the entire mountain.  
 

Awards were given after the race to many participants for a variety of things from the fastest time to the youngest to run.  Many hugs were given and a few tears were shed.  Even this pooch got recognized for his support of the colon cancer awareness run and his expression is priceless!
 

To join into the event you may sign up the morning of the event or if you are registering online it must be by 12pm on August 9th.  Fees are $40 for adults and $12 for youth 12 and under.   Registration for competitors will start at 7:30 and the opening ceremonies start at 8:30 followed shortly after by the kids fun run and the 5k run/walk.  Expect to be done with the event by noon.
 

Thank you to everyone who participated and an even bigger thank you to those that are returning this year.  I am honored to be invited back as the official photographer for the event for the second year! 
 

GET YOUR REAR IN GEAR
 

in
 

Portland, Oregon 2016
 

CONTACT
 

On the web - go to the event page
 

By Phone - Dan Hawkins @ 503-551-8459
 

See you all there!