Cycling and multisport fans will have a new way to become a part of the USA Pro Challenge this year, as the professional cycling stage race continues to grow with the introduction of the Lifeblood 5K benefiting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS). Scheduled on the final day of the USA Pro Challenge, and utilizing part of the race course, the 5K will hit the streets of Downtown Denver, Colorado, on Sunday 24 August 2014.
“We had the opportunity to create an event with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society that will really make a difference in our community,” said Shawn Hunter, CEO of the USA Pro Challenge. “The whole family can participate in the Lifeblood 5K and run on part of the course the professional athletes will utilize just hours later during the USA Pro Challenge.”
As a new addition to the Pro Challenge, on Sunday 24 August, local Coloradans and visitors will have the opportunity to participate in the Lifeblood 5K run in Downtown Denver utilizing part of the route the professional cyclists will descend upon just hours later for the heart-pounding conclusion of the race.
The Lifeblood 5K is open to people of all ages; and families are encouraged to run together, then stay to watch the pros finish out the final stage of the race where one rider will be named champion of the 2014 USA Pro Challenge.
Starting at 10:45 local time, the run will take participants from the start near Seal Pond in Civic Center Park, through city streets and across the USA Pro Challenge Stage 7 finish line. Post run, participants will enjoy an after-party in Civic Center Park that will include music, beverages and an unparalleled viewing location for the grand finale of the USA Pro Challenge. Registration is US$37.75 – with proceeds benefitting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – and can be done online at lifeblood5k.com or in person the day of the run.
A cash prize of US$250 will be awarded for the fastest man and woman. Additionally, the top-five LLS fundraisers each will receive two USA Pro Challenge VIP finish line passes. And in another exciting chance to win, runners will be rewarded for getting their friends involved. After registering, runners will receive a custom ‘share link’ in the confirmation email. The person who gets the most referral registrations using their link will receive VIP treatment for two on race day.
“Partnering with the USA Pro Challenge to create the Lifeblood 5K is a great opportunity to raise funds and awareness for our important mission,” said Rebecca Russell, executive director of LLS. “This event is a win-win-win for the Pro Challenge, LLS and our Colorado families impacted by blood cancer. Through the Lifeblood 5K people have the opportunity to really make a difference.”
The mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is to cure leukaemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services.
To date, LLS has invested more than US$1 billion in research to advance therapies and save lives. Thanks to research and access to better treatments, survival rates for many blood cancer patients have doubled, tripled and even quadrupled since 1960.
For every Lifeblood 5K registration, US$5 will be donated to LLS. Runners also are empowered to fundraise on behalf of the organization. Additionally, 80% of net profits from the run will be donated to LLS, helping to further their mission.
www.lifeblood5k.com
www.USAProChallenge.com
www.LLS.org
