Orange, Calif., Jan. 27, 2000 -- Mark your calendars for the second annual "Margaret’s Run Around The Block for Cancer," which will be held Sunday, March 12. Margaret’s Run is a 5K/10K race sponsored by UCI Medical Center and held in memory of Margaret Gunther, a former medical center employee who died of endometrial cancer.

"More than 1,500 runners and walkers are expected to attend this year," said Bridget Blehm, race coordinator and Gunther’s sister. "Our financial goal this year is to raise $75,000 for UCI Medical Center and the Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center." Last year’s race raised more than $25,000 for cancer research.

The 5K/10K race will begin at 8 a.m. at The Block at Orange. Runners and walkers will proceed to Edison Field and finish at The Block. A 1K fun run will also be held at 9 a.m. for children under 12 years of age.

"This year’s event will be bigger and better than ever with the support of several title sponsors—The Block at Orange, Anaheim Angels, Los Angeles Times-Orange County, AEtna, UCI Medical Center Associates, Noelle Communications, Perkowitz & Ruth Architects, Sparkletts and The Athlete’s Foot," said Blehm.

Registration forms are available online at www.ucihealth.com or by calling (714) 456-3904. Cost is $25 before March 12 or $30 the day of the race. Each registered participant will receive a free T-shirt, sunglasses holder, special discounts at The Block and items donated by local merchants. Three awards will also be given in each age division of the 10K, 5K and 1K.

At last year’s event, UCI Medical Center’s CEO, Mark Laret, encouraged participants to go the extra mile in 2000 to emulate Gunther and the way she lived. "If you planned to run the 5K, do the 10K. And if you’re going to walk the 5K, run the 5K instead," said Laret.

Margaret’s Run Around The Block for Cancer is being held in memory of Margaret Gunther, director of Case Management at UCI Medical Center, who died of a rare form of endometrial cancer on February 22, 1998 at the age of 56. Gunther was a resident of Fullerton for more than 35 years.

UCI Medical Center’s Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center is the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in Orange County, offering a full range of cancer therapies and research programs, including technologically advanced laser and radiation therapy, endoscopic ultrasound, immunotherapy and more.

For more information about Margaret’s Run Around The Block for Cancer or to volunteer, call Bridget Blehm at (714) 456-3904 or visit our Margaret's Run Web special.

Media Contact: Kim Pine
(714) 456-7759
kpine@uci.edu

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