The popular Ring Road Run returns on 23 June 2019 as a fundraiser for the Cancer Council with 5km and 10km events and a 2km junior dash.
Previously organised by Bundaberg Rotary, the event is returning after a year's break with a new focus.
“As of 2019, Cancer Council Queensland have taken ownership of Ring Road Run,” the organisation says on the event website.
“To bring the event in line with our brand, we have had to make a few updates to the event including a refreshed look and feel. We have tried to keep as much of the event's most-enjoyed elements the same, such as low entry fees.
“We will be introducing online fundraising this year and hope that you will join us to raise funds through this event so that we can continue to support the Wide Bay Community.
“There are some rewards to be unlocked when you reach fundraising milestones, such as reach $25 and get a water bottle, raise $50 and get a Cancer Council Queensland running singlet.”
As of yesterday, the website records $2280 raised towards a target of $20,000.
Jaye Pickler up for the Ring Road Run challenge
Jaye Pickler, 25, has always been up for a challenge.
Wearing hearing aids since he was six-years-old and working with people with disabilities, the Bundaberg local describes a challenge as a regular part of life and something he loves.
However, there was one challenge that was too close for comfort.
“Last year, my doctor urged me to have a colonoscopy, as a I had been having rectal bleeding for years,” he said.
“I had always been too embarrassed to get checked, but finally I just bit the bullet and before I knew it, I was at hospital waiting to find out what it was.
“A week later, the results showed I had a large quantity of sessile polyps, about two to three millimetres in size, which they had removed from my large intestines.”
Sessile polyps are flat polyps that grow flat against the wall of the colon. They are harder to detect and can be pre-cancerous.
“Although they were removed, doctors were surprised at the number of polyps I had given my age and told me I would need to return for my tests,” Jaye said.
“It was during the waiting for the second test, and then the results that I realised how serious the situation was.
“Fortunately, the second didn’t find anymore polyps, but my doctor said due to the number and severity of the ones I had, I would have had bowel cancer within two years.”
To help spread the message of how important prevention and early detection is when it comes to cancer, Jaye has come board as an ambassador for Cancer Council Queensland’s Ring Road Run.
“For the rest of my life, I will have to have regular colonoscopies to ensure polyps are regularly removed,” he said.
“We are only human, and we shouldn’t be embarrassed or ashamed to speak up when something is wrong.
“I was that person, but I am thankful I spoke up when I did, because if I hadn’t this story would be very different.”
Register now for Ring Road Run
Registrations are now open for Ring Road Run to be held Sunday, June 23 from 7am, starting and finishing at St Luke’s Anglican School via Ring Road.
Cancer Council Queensland chief executive Chris McMillan thanked Jaye Pickler for his support.
“We are grateful for Jaye coming on board to help spread our message of prevention and early detection,” Ms McMillan said.
“With up to one third of all cancer cases being preventable through healthy lifestyles habits, it’s important we are doing all we can to lower our cancer risk, which includes being proactive and going to the doctor when we notice something not quite right.
“Another way to lower your cancer risk is by being physically active, something you will achieve by participating in Ring Road Run!
“With 5km or 10km runs to choose to from, not only will you be lowering you risk of cancer, but with funds raised for the event you will be supporting more than 1700 locals affected by cancer in the Wide Bay Burnett region.”
To register for Ring Road Run, visit www.ringroadrun.com.au or call 1300 65 65 85.
For more information about Cancer Council Queensland, visit www.cancerqld.org.au or call 13 11 20 for information and support.
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