The 2022 Leigh Ann Bolinskey Memorial 5K Run/Walk will be on Saturday, Oct. 15, in Big Stone Gap.
Mountain Empire Older Citizens hosts the event to raise money for the agency’s Mountain Laurel Cancer Support and Resource Center. Bolinskey was the center’s director from 2004 until 2014 when she died of leiomyosarcoma, a rare cancer.
The 5K will begin at the Big Stone Gap Visitor Center and follow the Greenbelt Trail. Registration will open at 8 a.m. The race will start at 9 a.m. All proceeds will directly support cancer patients in Lee, Scott and Wise counties and the City of Norton.
“The annual 5K is one of the main fundraisers for the Mountain Laurel Center, and we are hoping for another great turnout,” said center coordinator Tiffany Jacobs. “Every cent raised will provide direct help with unexpected cancer-related needs of cancer patients throughout the local community.” No money raised will ever be spent on administrative costs, added Jacobs.
The Mountain Laurel Center has been offering support, advocacy and assistance to people with cancer of all ages for nearly two decades, continued Jacobs. The center provides liquid nutritional supplements and financial aid for travel for diagnosis, treatment, surgery and other unforeseen cancer-related expenses. These services are available because of community support and monetary donations from various sources.
MORE ABOUT THE 5K
Entry fees: $30 for race-day registration; $15 for youth ages 13-18; free for children 12 and younger.
Prizes: First, second and third place prizes will be awarded to males and females in eight age groups: 13 and younger; 14-16; 17-19; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-65; and 65 and older.
To enter: Download an entry form here or contact Tiffany Jacobs at (276) 523-4202 or tiffany.jacobs@meoc.org.
Can’t participate but still want to help? Tax-deductible donations are welcome at any time. Please make checks payable to MEOC-MLCC and mail them to PO Box 888, Big Stone Gap, VA 24219. Make an online donation at www.meoc.org.