R.M. Stoudt’s Running of the Pink benefits breast and cervical cancer screenings for local women. This year, the event is set for Saturday, June 3.

Cancer is the leading cause of death of Stutsman County residents ages 45-84.

Because of this, and because so many residents are affected by cancer, R.M. Stoudt hosts the annual Running of the Pink each year on the first Saturday in June which, this year, falls on June 3.

All proceeds benefit the No Excuses Program and the local Women’s Way Chapter for breast and cervical cancer screenings as well as education and other needs. Jamestown Regional Medical Center hosts the No Excuses program every year, in conjunction with Central Valley Health. That day, women can come in for a basic screening as well as a mammogram, all in one quick visit. Plus, if women have any financial barriers, proceeds from Running of the Pink cover those needs. No Excuses helped 14 women at its last event in November.

In its 10 year history, R.M. Stoudt has raised more than $80,000 for women’s health including cervical screenings and mammograms.

About one-third of Stutsman County women over age 40 reported said they had not had a mammogram in the last two years, according to the North Dakota Department of Health.

Jamestown area residents team up for 2016’s Running of the Pink. ROP proceeds benefit breast and cervical screenings for local women.

“This is troubling because if caught early, the treatment options for breast cancer are so much better,” said Lisa Jackson, Jamestown Regional Medical Center’s Foundation Director. “This is the difference between a small surgery to remove a lump, or a large surgery to remove the full breast.”

Last year, more than 600 people participated in ROP, raising more than $32,000 thanks to a $15,000 match courtesy of Casey Stoudt, dealership owner.

“R.M. Stoudt pays the bill for all marketing costs, t-shirts, etc., so that all donations can go to the cause” said Tara Kapp, RM Stoudt BDC Coordinator.

Running of the Pink is competitive, non-competitive and open to everyone. It offers a 5K run, walk and 10K run. Early bird entry is $15 for students and seniors and $20 for adults through May 20. After May 20, entry fees are $25 adults and $20 students and seniors. Registration includes a Running of the Pink t-shirt. Raffle tickets are also available for $10 for a

chance to win a limited edition Running of the Pink tandem bicycle.

To register, visit www.stoudtcars.com or www.facebook.com/runningofthepink. To schedule a mammogram, call (701) 952-4852.