Paddle for PanCAN announces its 5th annual Paddle for PanCAN 5K event will be held Sept. 14. This is a kayak/paddle board 5K with all of the proceeds benefiting the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and its research to fight the disease. Paddle for PanCAN has raised over $24,000 for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in the past four years.
Pancan.org shares that, "Pancreatic takes 90 percent of its victims within five years and kills more people than breast cancer in the United States. Pancreatic cancer has the highest mortality rate of all major cancers. Thanks to PanCAN's approach to fighting pancreatic cancer, the survival rate reached double digits in 2020 and increased to 12 percent in 2023, along with a 14 percent awareness rate."
Individuals can participate in the 5K on Sept. 14 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. The race will start at the Suck Creek Boat Launch, 1907 Suck Creek Road. Participants will paddle upriver towards Williams Island for 1.55 miles and then paddle back to the starting line. Registration is $40 per entry and there will be a lunch after party for an additional fee. The Eventbrite page has more race information and access to tickets.
There will be three divisions of the race: Adult Male, Adult Female and Tandem Kayak. The fastest time in each division will be awarded a prize donated by a sponsor.
Additionally, all participants receive a t-shirt the day of the event and will be entered to win raffle prizes from various local businesses.
There is still time for companies to sponsor Paddle for PanCAN until August 20. This year's sponsors include: Hemp House, KraftCPAs, Brackton Smith CFP, River Canyon Adventures, and Rock Creek.
Organizers want to make the Paddle for PanCAN accessible for everyone who wants to participate. To participate or if you need race equipment, please contact Jesse Gaylor.
“This will be a fun event to get people outdoors while creating awareness for pancreatic cancer,” said Jesse Gaylor, race director.