In the pink: Liz Hurley Ribbon Run fundraiser steps off Saturday

HUNTSVILLE – It’s been three years and two virtual races since the annual Liz Hurley 5K Ribbon Run and Survivors’ Walk made its trek through downtown Huntsville.

But the fundraiser is back in the pink and stepping off Saturday morning.

Established in 1999 by WAFF 48 news anchor Liz Hurley following her own fight against breast cancer, the Liz Hurley Ribbon Run is historically North Alabama’s largest 5K clocking in a sell-out crowd of 6,500 runners in 2019.

Thanks to supporters of the Liz Hurley Breast Cancer Fund, such as founding sponsor CFD Research, more than $6.2 million has been raised to support breast cancer awareness programs. The funds also helped equip Huntsville and Madison Hospitals’ Breast Centers with the latest diagnostic technology.

“Our passionate staff is grateful for the state-of-the-art equipment that assists us in detecting breast cancers early and saving lives in our area,” said Patti Hopkins, RN and director of the centers. “Proceeds from the Ribbon Run have helped make mammography at both centers fully 3D capable, provided essential ultrasound equipment upgrades and more.”

Proceeds from the 2022 Liz Hurley Ribbon Run will provide for the top-priority needs of both medical facilities including necessary Dense Breast Software upgrades that better pinpoint which patients need additional levels of cancer screening for accurate diagnosis.

With donor support, HHF will also launch theBreast Cancer Patient Experience Project, focused on improving each patient’s comfort and surroundings while in the Breast Center. The goal of these enhancements is to reduce the anxiety and fear that sometimes accompany these procedures.

The 2022 Ribbon Run kicks off with the Survivors’ Walk at 8 a.m., giving race participants the opportunity to honor and cheer on participating breast cancer survivors.

The 5K race starts at 8:30 a.m. with runner awards at 10 a.m.

For those unable to participate in person, a virtual race option is also available.

Registration for the race is closed, but you can still get involved and contribute by clicking here.