Aug 26, 2021 Steeplechase Distance Run Set for Sept. 26

The 13th annual Steeplechase Distance Run will be held Sunday, Sept. 26 at Amsterdam School in Hillsborough and as a virtual event to raise funds for the Steeplechase Cancer Center at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset, an RWJBarnabas Health facility.

Coordinated by Somerset Health Care Foundation, the event includes 10K and 5K runs on a USA Track & Field certified course as well as a 2-mile walk and kids’ sprints. Participants can also support the event virtually by running or walking on their own. In addition, the Steeplechase Distance Run is offering a 100-Mile Challenge. Run, walk or bike 100 miles in the month of September to receive a special commemorative medal.

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 to arrange transportation for cancer patients to get to and from their medical appointments and 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.

“We are so grateful for all those that are able to join us in-person or virtually to run and walk in support of our cancer patients,” said Deirdre Blaus, assistant vice president of cancer services at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset. “The funds raised through the Steeplechase Distance Run make a difference in the lives of so many by helping provide the support services that patients need throughout their cancer journey.”

Together with Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 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, a patient resource library, 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 10K run starts at 8:45 a.m. followed by the 5K 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. Children age 15 and under may register for $15. Entry fee for the kids’ sprints is $10.

The 100 Mile Challenge entry fee is $45 and includes complimentary registration for the 10K or 5K runs or the 2-mile walk. Children age 15 and under participate in the 100 Mile Challenge for $30.

To register for the in-person or virtual event, go to www.SteeplechaseDistanceRun.com.