PC run to benefit cancer research

The 10th annual Putnam City Cancer Classic 5K and fun run will be Nov. 11 at Wheeler Park, 1120 S Western.

A little more than 10 years ago, Jason Hasty, then the physical education teacher at Putnam City’s Western Oaks Elementary School, was a dedicated runner.

If he wasn’t running in local races, he was training to run in those races.

He wondered, "Why couldn’t Putnam City host a race?"

This year, more than 1,000 runners and walkers are expected to take part in the Putnam City Cancer Classic, which raises money for cancer research at Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF).

The 5K will start at 8:30 a.m., while the fun run will begin at 10 a.m.

Registration for the 5K race is $30. Registration for the fun run is $15. Runners and walkers can register and pay online at www.pccancerclassic.com or register the morning of the event at Wheeler Park.

“The Cancer Classic is a fun event, but more importantly, everyone who takes part is contributing to the fight against cancer,” says Stephanie Treadway, principal at Western Oaks Elementary Schooland chair of Putnam City’s Cancer Fund Drive.

Last year’s Cancer Classic raised about $9,700 for cancer research.

It’s just one component of a larger cancer fund drive.

For 42 years, Putnam City has worked with OMRF in the battle against cancer.

Using everything from pajama days, school carnivals, soccer games and powder puff football, district students, parents and staff have raised more than $3.5 million to support OMRF’s cancer research efforts.