Obliteride will connect thousands to help cure cancer faster this August

Fred Hutch Cancer Center invites all who want to help cure cancer faster to join their friends and neighbors at Fred Hutch Obliteride, an annual bike ride, 5K walk/ run and fundraiser on Saturday, Aug. 10, in Seattle. Obliteride connects and empowers thousands of participants to take action against cancer by fundraising to advance cancer prevention, detection, treatment and cures. 

"This outstanding event combines the deep passion of our supporters with the commitment and urgency of Fred Hutch to cure cancer faster,” said Kelly O’Brien, vice president for Fred Hutch Philanthropy. “The energy of our Obliteride community is inspiring. The funds they raise accelerate advances in research and bring hope to people experiencing cancer and to their families.”

Participants can select a 25-, 50- or 100-mile bike route, walk or run a 5K or volunteer. They can also establish teams with colleagues, friends and family. Registration discounts are available for all those who have or have had cancer, and there is a virtual option for those who prefer to support Fred Hutch while riding, walking or running from wherever they are. 

Due to a tremendous response this year, registration for the 5K walk/run will close on Thursday, July 25 to ensure participants’ safety and optimal experience. Registration for the bike routes and virtual participation will remain open until event day: Saturday, Aug. 10.

Obliteride matters

“People don’t experience cancer alone, they experience cancer as part of a workplace, a family, a community,” said Thomas J. Lynch Jr., MD, Fred Hutch president and director and holder of the Raisbeck Endowed Chair. “Obliteride is a way for everybody to get involved. The pride and the joy that it brings people is remarkable. Obliteriders also support some of Fred Hutch’s most groundbreaking work. Grants only cover about 70% of the cost of the lifesaving advances we are pursuing here. Obliteriders’ fundraising matters.”

Obliteride participants can fundraise for the area of work at Fred Hutch that is the most meaningful to them, including a specific disease area, program, faculty member or clinician. Every dollar they raise goes to work, thanks to generous event sponsors and supporters.

Obliteriders have access to a fundraising guide and digital participant center full of tools and resources to help them inspire their community, ask for support and meet and exceed their fundraising commitments. Fred Hutch Obliteride staff are also available to help teams and participants fundraise successfully.

Since 2013, Obliteride has generated more than $48 million for discoveries at Fred Hutch. Participants and donors have fueled new approaches for dozens of cancers, including breast, colon, pancreatic and prostate cancer; novel therapies that harness immune T cells to fight lung and skin cancers; breakthroughs in data science; new advances in personalized care; community partnerships to improve health and more.

A weekend of connection

Obliteride Weekend begins with an opportunity to connect with a community dedicated to curing cancer during the event’s popular Friday Night Party on Aug. 9. Participants, family and friends gather at Gas Works Park in Seattle for a catered dinner, live music and camaraderie.

On Saturday, Aug. 10, Obliteride Day, bike riders will set out from the starting line near the University of Washington and enjoy fully supported routes with water views, bridge crossings and rest stops. A lunch stop is provided for the 100-mile riders. During the 5K, walkers and runners of all ages will enjoy a paved, family-friendly route that includes a rest stop. At the finish line at Gas Works Park, all participants are invited to enjoy food, music and more. Tickets for both parties will be available for purchase for virtual participants and guests.

"Each step I took during the Obliteride 5K reminded me of our progress towards a brighter future — where cancer is obliterated,” said 2023 participant Joe Riggs, MHSA, vice president of radiation oncology at Fred Hutch and a team co-captain. “I participate to support groundbreaking cancer research and stand in solidarity with those affected by the disease."

Register today! Ride, walk, run or volunteer this August and help cure cancer faster.