PIKEVILLE — Pikeville Medical Center will host the eighth Colors of Courage 5K Run/Walk Sept. 9 in downtown Pikeville.
Proceeds from the event remain local and will assist patients of the Lawson Cancer Center at PMC.
One of the most popular 5K races held each year in Pikeville, the Colors of Courage 5K is undergoing a few exciting updates in 2023, including a pre-race event the evening before the run and new Colors of Courage merchandise. Also new this year is the opportunity to purchase and decorate customizable yard signs to place along the race route in honor of or in memory of a loved one who has battled cancer.
“There are so many local patients in need, and it is wonderful to be able to say the proceeds benefit these cancer patients directly,” said Amber Tackett, PMC AVP of Patient Services. “Thousands of dollars are raised each year from this event to help patients who may be struggling financially. The Colors of Courage event helps our patients with transportation costs to and from potentially life-saving treatments, among other things.”
Cancer affects most people in some way, either directly or indirectly. To show support for those fighting cancer or to remember those lost, organizers encourage 5K participants to wear the color representing the type of cancer that has impacted them. Although each person’s color may differ, the purpose of the Colors of Courage 5K is to unite everyone in the fight against cancer. This year’s 5K will not be a color run as in years past with colored powder being tossed toward the participants.
Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. the day of the event in front of the Pikeville Medical Center Business Complex on Main Street in Pikeville, where the race will begin and end. The race will start promptly at 9 a.m.
Participants will receive finisher medals as they cross the finish line. The top three overall male and female finishers and the top three male and female finishers in each age division will win trophies.
For the 2023 event, there will be a pre-race event the evening before, where participants can pick up their race packet between 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. There will be free food, stations to decorate Colors of Courage yard signs, t-shirts and race merchandise for purchase and the opportunity to visit with race sponsors and staff of the Lawson Cancer Center.
Entry fees and registration information
• $20 per participant registered between June 5-30 (Early Bird Discount)
• $25 per participant between July 1-Sept. 8
• $30 per participant day of the race
• TEAM registration is available for the 2023 event at a discounted rate for teams of 10 or more. Details are available at www.tristateracer.com/colorsofcourage.
• Registration must be completed/received by Aug. 25 to guarantee a T-shirt.
• Colors of Courage 5K registration form can be picked up at the Pikeville Medical Center second-floor information desk or printed from tristateracer.com/colorsofcourage.
• Deliver or mail the completed form, along with your entry fee to:
Pikeville Medical Center
Public Relations Department
Attn: Carlie Lambert
P.O. Box 2515
Pikeville, KY 41502
• REGISTER ONLINE: tristateracer.com/race/register/12219
• Sponsorship opportunities are available and can be viewed at www.givetopmc.org/colorsofcourage
• General event information can be found at www.pikevillehospital.org/colorsofcourage