Blue Ribbon Run-A-Thon

Please join me, Gavin Furlong, and support the Blue Ribbon Run-A-Thon on March 4th, 2023 to raise awareness for Colorectal Cancer.

In 2021 at the age of 38 I was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. I was very fortunate; my body gave me a clue something was wrong, I told my doctor, found the tumor and had it removed quickly before it spread. Many are not so lucky. Colorectal cancer is currently the 3rd leading cause of cancer deaths for young adults and the leading cause for men under 50, but with early detection colorectal cancer is very treatable.  Early detection made a dramatic difference in my life and I want to do what I can to educate others on this disease. 

To do so I have organized the Blue Ribbon Run-A-Thon to raise awareness for Colorectal Cancer. In partnership with Beebe Healthcare all funds raised will go towards educating our local community on the signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer and the importance of regular screenings. I invite you to make a donation to our cause or you can join me on March 4th for the Run-A-Thon.

Prior to my cancer diagnosis in 2021 I was training for my first 100 mile ultramarathon. Surgery put an end to those plans, but with much patience and a new approach to training I believe I am again ready to take on that challenge. March 4th will be the 2 year anniversary of my cancer surgery and my personal goal for the Run-A-Thon is to complete those 100 miles in under 24 hours.

With your help we can educate others in our community on this disease and hopefully contribute to more early detections and positive outcomes. Thank you for your support and look forward to seeing many of you on March 4th.

RUN-A-THON SIGNUP: There is no fee to sign up, I only ask that if you can please make a donation to one of our fundraisers. During registration you can also sign up to be a fundraiser yourself and collect donations for your own run. Fundraisers who raise $100 will receive a Run-A-Thon T-shirt. Fundraisers who raise $250 will receive a Run-A-Thon Hoodie AND T-shirt. Walkers welcome!

COURSE: Plan your own route wherever you may be, or start with me at 8AM at the Lewes Library. The route I will be running is a 16 mile loop starting in Lewes, thru Cape Henlopen State Park to Rehoboth, then back to the Lewes Library on the Junction Breakwater trail (route on MapMyRun available below). You can sign up for the 5 Miler (Library to Herring Point), 10 Miler (Library to Grove Park) or the 16 Miler (Full Loop) .  The average pace for the group starting at 8AM will be 9:15/mile.

AID STATIONS / RUNNER SHUTTLES: Aid stations available at Herring Point (4.7 miles) and Grove Park (9.25 miles). For those running the 5 Miler or 10 Miler routes we will have a shuttle available to transport runners back to the Lewes Library, or you can arrange your own transportation. If you plan to use the shuttle please reach out so that we can ensure we have enough space.

YOUR DONATIONS AT WORK: All funds raised will go to the Beebe Medical Foundation, funding public health programs focused on colorectal cancer awareness.

MORE ABOUT MY CANCER EXPERIENCE AND GOALS FOR THE RUN-A-THON: https://audioboom.com/posts/8243538-rotr-gavin-furlong-blue-ribbon-run-a-thon