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 (MOCA).The annual event is organized by The Med City Marathon team. MOCA is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to supporting those impacted by ovarian cancer, educating the public and health care community, raising awareness and funding research needed to detect ovarian cancer early and treat it 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, which 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 MOCA through the Unleash the SHE race. It shows our patients that we care about them and their futures.”

A portion of the proceeds from the event goes directly to MOCA. Participants are encouraged to create their own fundraising page to raise even more money, all of which supports MOCA’s ovarian cancer research and programs.

“Unleash the SHE is an incredibly meaningful event for MOCA and for the entire ovarian cancer community. We’re so grateful for the support of the Unleash the SHE organizers, our event sponsor, Mayo Clinic, and everyone who participates,” said MOCA Executive Director Mary Uran, “Unleash the SHE is about community, and it helps us make a real difference against ovarian cancer.”

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 supporting those impacted by ovarian cancer, funding research, educating the public and health care community and raising awareness about ovarian cancer.  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 $13 million to ovarian cancer research projects in Minnesota and nationally. For additional information, go to www.mnovarian.org or call (612) 822-0500.