Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset Hosts 16th Annual Steeplechase Distance Run On September 29 to Support Cancer Patients

The 16th annual Steeplechase Distance Run will be held Sunday, Sept. 29 at Amsterdam School in Hillsborough and as a virtual event to raise funds for the Steeplechase Cancer Center at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Somerset, an RWJBarnabas Health facility.

Coordinated by Somerset Health Care Foundation, the "Oktoberfest"-themed event offers four ways to participate. Runners and walkers can join in-person on September 29 for 10K and 5K runs on a USA Track & Field certified course as well as a 2-mile walk and kids' sprints. New this year, participants are invited to "Do the Double," competing in both the 5K and 10K races back-to-back. The 10K and 5K races are both USATF New Jersey 500-point events. The race has also been named a USATF New Jersey Masters Women's 10K Championship Race which is a 700-point event.

Participants can also support the event virtually by running, walking, swimming or biking a 10K, 5K or 2 miles between September 29 and October 6 on their own. No matter the event chosen, each participant will receive a commemorative glass and goodie bag. Runners and walkers can look forward to cider, donuts and hot pretzels at the finish line. Awards will be given to the "most festive" participants with "Oktoberfest" attire.

Proceeds from the event will benefit educational and support programs and a patient assistance fund at the Steeplechase Cancer Center. The patient assistance fund is used for cancer patients' supportive needs, including financial assistance for wigs and prostheses offered at the cancer center's Sanofi US Wellness Boutique; groceries; medications; house cleaning services and other living expenses.

"In its 16^th year, the annual Steeplechase Distance Run continues to generate excitement and is an event that community members look forward to as a way to remember, honor and support loved ones," said Deirdre Blaus, Interim Chief Administrative Officer, RWJUH Somerset. "We extend a heartfelt thank you to all participants, donors, sponsors and volunteers. Their generosity enables us to help lessen the financial burden of cancer patients and their families when they are most in need."

"We're excited to offer the new 5K+10K Challenge this year for runners who are looking for a longer race as they train for upcoming marathons," said Steeplechase Distance Run Founder and breast surgical oncologist, Cynthia Lee, MD, a member of RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group. "Don your lederhosen, dirndl or other Bavarian-inspired outfit and run into Fall with us to help support cancer patients in our community."

Together with Rutgers Cancer Institute, the state's only NCI-Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, the Steeplechase Cancer Center provides the latest cancer treatment options close to home. The three-story, 63,000-square-foot facility, which opened in 2007, houses radiation therapy services, a PET/CT, infusion therapy, breast imaging services, the hospital's research team, oncologists' and surgeons' offices, nutritional counseling, a smoking cessation program, genetic testing services, patient navigator services, the Sanofi US Wellness Boutique and complementary medicine services, such as yoga, meditation and wellness classes.

On race day, registration begins at 7:30 a.m. The 5K run starts at 8:45 a.m. followed by the 10K run and 2-Mile Walk at 9:30 a.m. Kids' sprints are scheduled for 10:45 a.m. The event will be held rain or shine.

Registration for the Steeplechase Distance Run is $30 for adults before Sept. 22. After Sept. 22, registration is $33. The registration fee for the 5K + 10K Challenge is $50 through Sept. 22. After Sept. 22, registration is $55. Children age 15 and under may register for $15. Entry fee for the kids' sprints is $10.

To register, go to www.SteeplechaseDistanceRun.com.