Michelle’s Hot Peeps Beat CC 5K/1K charity fun run is back in Murphy Park for its seventh year.
Planners said the event benefits the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation, or CCF, which supports those with the rare but aggressive bile-duct cancer as well as creates awareness about the lethal illness.
“Our first race in 2017 was extremely successful with over 100 seniors, adults, teens and little kids participating,” said John M. McDonald on behalf of the race committee.
In 2019, the race saw over 180 participants and more than 80 in an all-virtual 2020 competition.
The event this year is Saturday, Aug. 10. Packet pickup is 6:30 a.m. at the pavilion in Murphy Park, Twelfth and Vance streets, with a start time at 7:30 a.m.
The course will begin in front of the pavilion, follow the Hike ‘n Bike trail and extend across Mallard Lane. The return route will use the other part of the Hike ‘n Bike trail, finishing at the original starting point. This is a chip-timed 5K Fun Run/Walk and Kids’ Dash, open to children of all ages.
Kona Ice will again have free snow cones and Michael Craig is providing the music.
Organizers said the race honors the memory Michelle McDonald, 47, who died after a five-month battle with the disease.
McDonald’s family and friends started the event in 2018, saying it is a means to “pay it forward.”
The community event hosted by McDonald’s relatives and loved ones celebrates life, family and wellness, organizers said.
Cholangiocarcinoma, or CC, is a highly lethal cancer and originates in the bile ducts in the liver, according to medical officials. It is often diagnosed at advanced stages when treatment is only minimally effective, they added.
There are no effective strategies for prevention, early diagnosis or long-term treatment.
Planners said 100% of the net proceeds from the fun run will help CCF, the leading global CC nonprofit, to fund research to find a cure and improve the quality of life for patients.
Among cancers, cholangiocarcinoma has the highest percent increase in mortality rates and the second-highest percent increase in number of cases of all cancers, officials said.
Texas leads the nation in both diagnoses and deaths from CC. The 20- to 40-year-old age group is among the fastest growing to be afflicted, officials said.
According to reports, it is estimated at least 50 people will die this year in Williamson County due to the disease.
Organizers said events such as the Hot Peeps charity fun run helps promote progress in fighting CC:
• In 2023, Hot Peeps generated proceeds to send 20-22 cholangiocarcinoma patients to the 2024 annual conference • Since its inception, Hot Peeps has generated proceeds to fully fund a full-year research grant Each donor plays a role in buying more time, more treatment options, and within the next 10 years, finding a cure, supporters said.
To be guaranteed a 2024 race shirt, participants need to register by July 31. To register, visit https:// www.athleteguild.com/ event/taylor-tx/2024michelles-hot-peepsbeat- cc.
