12th Annual Melanoma Walk Will Include 5K Run

What: Melanoma Walk/Run

When: Saturday, Nov. 12, 8:30 a.m.-noon

Where: University of Arizona Mall, 1209 E. University Blvd., Tucson

TUCSON, Arizona — The Skin Cancer Institute at the University of Arizona Cancer Center is hosting the 12th annual Melanoma Walk/Run on Saturday, Nov. 12, on the UArizona Mall. The event opens at 8:30 a.m. with a new 5K run starting at 9 a.m. The traditional 1-mile remembrance walk will follow at 10:30 a.m.

The Skin Cancer Institute will offer free skin cancer screenings and spot checks from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. Visitors do not need to register for the walk to receive a free screening. The family and pet-friendly event also includes prizes and giveaways, music, food, a silent auction and activities for kids.

Every year, the Melanoma Walk raises awareness about skin cancer while giving people the chance to come together in support of fighting and curing deadly melanoma skin cancer. Proceeds from the walk directly support melanoma research and community outreach in Arizona. The Skin Cancer Institute’s goal is to raise $75,000 to help prevent and fight melanoma.

"This event is our major fundraising effort to support the work of the Skin Cancer Institute. It is awe-inspiring to see the families, friends and survivors attend the event in support of this fight to prevent and cure melanoma," said Robin Harris, PhD, MPH, co-director of the Skin Cancer Institute and professor in the UArizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health.

Desert Toyota of Tucson, the event’s presenting sponsor since 2016, donated $6,500 to the walk this year.

Registration is $30 for adults and $15 for children ages 10-14. Children 9 and under can participate for free. To register for the Melanoma Walk/Run, join a team or make a donation, visit www.fightmelanomatoday.org.

Founded in 2005, the Skin Cancer Institute at the UArizona Cancer Center is the only skin cancer organization of its kind that unites patient care, research, outreach, and education into one entity. The Skin Cancer Institute serves as a model for community-based skin cancer research and care in the United States and relies solely on grants and donations for operation.