Utah Cyclocross (UTCX) Supports Local Cancer Patients and Joins Lance Armstrong Foundation (“LAF”, “LIVESTRONG”) and the Huntsman Cancer Foundation (“HCF”) in Fight against Cancer
Salt Lake City, Utah – September 21, 2011 — Utah Cyclcross (www.utcx.net) in support of local cancer patients, joins the Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF, LIVESTRONG) and the Huntsman Cancer Foundation (HCF) in the fight against cancer by raising funds through CROSS OUT CANCER, on Saturday, October 22, 2011 at Wheeler Historic Farm, located at 6351 S 900 East, Salt Lake City, UT. This year’s event will include a 5K run, cyclocross races for all ages and abilities and a silent auction. The 5K run will start at 8:00 am and runners will enjoy the fall weather ambiance while running through 5K of the cyclocross race course. Regular scheduled Utah Cyclocross Series races start at 9:30 am and the CROSS OUT CANCER ride for all ages will take place at 1:25 pm in conjunction with Kiddie Cross. The Silent auction will open at 9:00 am and will be open for bidding until 3:00 pm. For more information or to register for the event visit Utah Cyclcross online at www.utcx.net. UTCX has pledged to donate 100% of the entry fee from the 5K run, the Cross out Cancer ride and Silent Auction to LAF and HCF. Companies and individuals are encouraged to contact UTCX if they are interested in sponsorship and/or contributing items for the auction.
This is the second year for the event which last year had hundreds of participants and raised over $27,000 benefiting LIVESTRONG. The 2010 event was initiated when Utah cyclist and a member of the USA Cycling National Team, Connor O’Leary (then 19 years old) was diagnosed with cancer. He, along with the cycling community knew they had to get involved to help others fighting this disease. The Lance Armstrong Foundation and Lance Armstrong personally along with the Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) were critical to Connor’s care, so this year proceeds will benefit both organizations.
Utah Cyclocross organizer Matt Ohran stated, “I was thrilled with what we accomplished in 2010 and believe that we can continue to make a significant contribution in the ongoing fight against cancer by hosting this event.”
CROSS OUT CANCER allows individuals in the greater Salt Lake City area to do something bold in the face of cancer by demonstrating support for local patients and by supporting the mission of the LAF and HCF to inspire and empower people affected by cancer.
The event will be held snow, rain, sleet or shine and all in attendance are encouraged to wear yellow, the color of LIVESTRONG.
About the Lance Armstrong Foundation
The Lance Armstrong Foundation inspires and empowers people affected by cancer. We provide the practical tools and resources survivors need to live life on their own terms. Our goal is to create a fundamental change in the expectations and experience of living with cancer and to lead and sustain a survivorship movement to help eliminate suffering due to cancer. We believe that in the battle with cancer, unity is strength, knowledge is power and attitude is everything. The LAF was founded in 1997 by cancer survivor and champion cyclist Lance Armstrong and is located in Austin, Texas.
About the Huntsman Cancer Foundation
Huntsman Cancer Foundation’s (HCF) sole purpose is to fund the mission of Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI): to understand cancer from its beginnings, to use that knowledge in the creation and improvement of cancer treatments, to relieve the suffering of cancer patients, and to provide education about cancer risk, prevention, and care. HCI’s founders, the Jon M. and Karen Huntsman family have donated more than $230 million toward the development of HCI and the Huntsman Cancer Hospital, which opened in 2004. Seeded by family funds, HCI is owned by the state of Utah and the lifesaving research is now sustained by the philanthropic support of thousands.
What is Cyclocross?
Cyclocross is a competitive sport on a bicycle during the fall/winter months. A cross bike looks like a road bike but has knobby tires and mountain bike cantilever brakes. Courses have a mix of dirt, grass, and pavement. Laps are shorter and usually take anywhere from 8 to 12 minutes depending on the venue. 1, 2 sometimes 3 barrier sections are set up that usually require you to dismount your bike, run with your bike, and then remount your bike. These dismount and run sections also help keep the feet warm on a cold race day. Races last between 40 minutes to 1 hour depending on the race category. Cyclocross is the FASTEST growing segment of cycling currently in the United States. Cyclocross is very spectator friendly and there are categories for all ages and abilities, even Kiddie Cross.
