May 13, 2025:
The participant number and the amount of money raised broke records during the 37th Annual Avera Race Against Cancer held over the weekend (May 10, 2025).
A total of 7,747 participants raised a record $765,000 through race events held in Sioux Falls, Aberdeen, Mitchell, Pierre and Yankton in SD, and in Marshall, MN. The Avera Race supports local patients and families fighting all types of cancer.
Depending on location, the Avera Race included runs or walks, including official chip-timed 5K or 10K runs. Numerous people also signed up as sideline supporters or virtual participants.
Dollars raised during the Race support numerous projects, one of which is the Avera Cancer Institute Navigation Center, a round-the-clock source of comfort and support to anyone whose life has been touched by cancer. This 24/7 call center is offered across the Avera system.
Proceeds also go toward lodging or transportation assistance for individuals or families; screening and early detection; genetic testing; specialized equipment and comfort items; New Look, Same You and wig program; complementary therapies like aromatherapy, massage therapy and Arts in Healing; special events like Cancer Survivors Day; grief support for families; and more.
In Yankton, race day events included the announcement of a $7 million fundraising campaign, Building Hope Here, to support an Avera Cancer Institute location offering comprehensive cancer services in Yankton. In partnership with the event, Avera Foundation announced a lead gift from Yankton family Larry and Diane Ness and $500,000 matching gift from First Dakota National Bank.
Learn about more ways to support Avera at AveraFoundation.org.
May 5, 2025:
The 37th Avera Race Against Cancer takes place Saturday, May 10, across the Avera system, with events in Sioux Falls, Aberdeen, Mitchell, Pierre and Yankton, SD, and Marshall, MN.
The Avera Race supports local patients and families fighting all types of cancer. Depending on location, the Avera Race may include runs or walks, including official chip-timed 5K or 10K runs, as well as a 1.5-mile family walk or 3-mile walk. People can also sign up to participate virtually wherever they happen to be on race day, or as a sideline supporter. Events will also include inspirational survivor recognitions, survivor photos, snacks and beverages, depending on location.
“The Avera Race is a wonderful event because it celebrates cancer survivorship, as well as those lives we have lost to this disease. It’s an inspirational, meaningful time when communities come together to support cancer patients – past, present and future,” said Katie Van Beek, Avera Vice President of Oncology. “Even after 37 years, it continues to gain momentum.”
Registration fee includes a commemorative 2025 Avera Race T-shirt, while supplies last.
Race organizers expect more than 6,000 participants along with 400 volunteers to make it happen.
Last year’s race raised a record $731,000. “Through the years this event has raised more than $12 million to support cancer patients,” said Reid Jensen, Director of Annual Giving for the Avera Foundation.
“The Avera Race Against Cancer supports patients with all cancer types. Earlier in its history, the race centered around support of breast cancer patients, but we know that the cancer journey is challenging for patients with any cancer diagnosis,” Jensen said.
Funds from the Avera Race Against Cancer support numerous projects, one of which is the Avera Cancer Institute Navigation Center, a round-the-clock source of comfort and support to anyone whose life has been touched by cancer. This 24/7 call center is offered across the Avera system.
Proceeds also go toward lodging or transportation assistance for individuals or families; screening and early detection; genetic testing; specialized equipment and comfort items; New Look, Same You and wig program; complementary therapies like aromatherapy, massage therapy and Arts in Healing; special events like Cancer Survivors Day; grief support for families; and more. “All dollars benefit patients and families locally,” Jensen said.
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