Zach Ward, a sophomore at McCallie who lives in East Brainerd, is hosting the Throw Out Cancer 5K race and one mile fun run/walk for his Eagle Scout Leadership Project. It will be held Saturday at Hamilton Place Mall.
The event is to honor Steve Ward, his uncle, and Dan Summerlin, a family friend and co-worker of his father. Both are battling stage IV cancer.
One hundred percent of the proceeds benefit Emily's Power For A Cure, a Chattanooga-based cancer charity that supports Children's Hospital at Erlanger and cancer research. This project has been approved by the Boy Scouts of America and has been promoted heavily through social media, BSA Cherokee Area Council, local businesses, and local news publications.
So far Zach has raised over $3,000 for Emily's Power For A Cure through sponsorship of the race, and roughly 200 runners and walkers have signed up to participate. He anticipates more will register on-site Saturday morning.
Sponsors include: Coca-Cola, Erlanger, CBL, Hamilton Place Mall, ERMC, Ferguson, Food City, National Boiler and more.
The Throw Out Cancer 5K and one mile fun run / walk will be held on Saturday at Hamilton Place Mall, beginning at the upper level Belk parking lot. The race begins promptly at 8 a.m.
Runners and supporters can register online at (https://www.emilyspowerforacure.com/www/docs/117).
Awards will be given for the top three male and female finishers. Awards also will be given to the top three finishers in the following male and female age groups: 14 and Under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and over.
There will be food and drinks on-site the morning of the race.