UNLEASH THE SHE

The Race

Join more than 1,000 women who will walk and run to fight against ovarian cancer at the Unleash the SHE 5K/10K: Presented by Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Since 2009 the Unleash the SHE: Presented by Mayo Clinic has supported the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance (M.O.C.A.) and is organized by The Med City Marathon team. M.O.C.A. is a statewide non-profit dedicated to raising awareness and funding research needed to detect and treat ovarian cancer early and effectively.

To accommodate the growing event, the race takes place at the Little Thistle Brewing Co. Everyone can take part this year! We added an untimed 5K called the “Support the SHE” event will that will give everyone the opportunity to walk and run in solidarity with the women they support. Children can participate in a 1K Kids Fun Run for FREE. 

All timed finishers will receive an Unleash the SHE race medallion, the perfect memento to remember the race.

As the event grows each year, many local ovarian cancer survivors, friends and family members take part in the Unleash the SHE: Presented by Mayo Clinic. Ovarian cancer is the deadliest of all gynecologic cancers, and because there is no test, it is often diagnosed at a late stage. More than 400 Minnesota women will be diagnosed with the disease this year.

Mayo Clinic gynecologic oncologist Dr. Jamie Bakkum-Gamez has taken part in the race in recent years to raise symptom awareness, but most importantly, to raise the money needed to fund ovarian cancer research. “Too often in my job, I see women dealing with the difficult emotions and physical hardships related to ovarian cancer, and I can only wish for something better. An early diagnosis test. Better treatments,” said Dr. Bakkum-Gamez. “That’s why I put so much effort into building a team and raising money for M.O.C.A. through the Unleash the SHE race. It shows our patients that we care about them and their futures.”

Proceeds of the event go directly to M.O.C.A. Participants are encouraged to create their own fundraising page to raise even more money, all of which goes directly to M.O.C.A. for ovarian cancer research, support, and programming.

“We’re excited to welcome the Unleash the SHE 5K/10K back to Rochester for another year – and we know this fifth year will be bigger and better than ever,” said Kathleen Gavin, M.O.C.A. executive director. “M.O.C.A. has a strong local presence in the Rochester community, including support groups and local events. We are also connected through our funding commitment to advance ovarian cancer research: M.O.C.A. has provided close to $2 million to research projects at the Mayo Clinic since 2002.”

Racers will receive a race hoodie, finisher medals, and a race bag for both the 5K and 10K. Door prizes and refreshments will also be available.

Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance

The Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance (MOCA) is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness about ovarian cancer. MOCA provides education and support to women and families impacted by this disease. MOCA advances ovarian cancer research needed to detect ovarian cancer early and treat it properly. MOCA was founded in 1999 by a group of ovarian cancer survivors. Since then, the organization has grown to include more than 1,000 survivors and 50,000 supporters across the U.S. MOCA offers a full range of programs encompassing education, support and research. MOCA has awarded more than $10 million to ovarian cancer research projects in Minnesota and nationally. For additional information, go to www.mnovarian.org or call (612) 822-0500.