Hoosiers Outrun Cancer is one of the largest and oldest races in the state. File photo

The Hoosiers Outrun Cancer 5K event will be held virtually this year.

Now in its 21st year, the 5K raises money for the Bloomington Health Foundation, which provides support to patients fighting cancer regardless of their ability to pay. The race, which is one of the largest and oldest in the state, has raised more than $4 million since its inception in 2000.

“Like many other organizations and events across the country, we too have been monitoring the ongoing impact of COVID-19 and, as always, the safety of our participants, volunteers, sponsors, and our greater community is paramount,” says Jon Barada, Bloomington Health Foundation president and CEO. “But we also know that COVID-19 means that cancer patients need our support now more than ever.”

On the morning of the race, which will be held on September 26, runners will have the opportunity to tune into an online opening ceremony, which Barada says will uphold many of HOC’s traditions.

“And at the end of that program, we’ll program the virtual start gun so each of you can run or walk your own socially distanced HOC route,” he says.

Registration for the race is now open. Participants who register by the early registration of August 30 will receive their Hoosiers Outrun Cancer t-shirt and bib by race day. Those who register by the final registration deadline of September 28 will not receive their t-shirt or bib until up to three weeks after the race.

For more information or to register, please visit hoosiersoutruncancer.org.