By Julie Slama | [email protected]

Hillcrest High School students will hold a 5K benefit run to help fight cancer this December.

At 9 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 14, community members, families and students alike can lace up their running shoes to race a 5K or walk 1 mile to benefit 5 for the Fight, which invites everyone to give $5 for the fight against cancer. The course will be held in the Hillcrest High area, coordinated by the school’s cross country team and studentbody officers, said Shannon Hurst, assistant cross country coach and studentbody officer adviser.

“We want this to be a community effort,” she said. “Everyone knows someone going through or has gone through cancer. It effects everyone and this is a way for every person to contribute to saving lives.”

Registration and race information can be found by following a link on Hillcrest High School’s website, hhs.canyonsdistrict.org. Hurst said they are asking runners and walkers for a minimum donation of $5 each to participate. Same day registrations are being accepted.

5 for the Fight T-shirts, especially designed for the event by Hillcrest senior Tianna Corpuz, will be sold for $10 each, with proceeds earmarked for the campaign.

“Our goal is to get as many runners and walkers to participate as we can. We’d like to raise $25,000 to support cancer research,” Hurst said.

The top three male and female racers will receive medals donated by The Trophy Case in Midvale. After the race, there will be drinks and food available, with some contributions from local businesses.

5 for the Fight began in February 2016 and the following year, the Utah Jazz became its partner, which has become a catalyst to encourage others to donate. Thus far, more than $24 million has been raised from the 5 for the Fight campaign, supporting cancer research around the world, including at the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City.

Hurst said that annually the high school students select an organization to support during their December fundraising campaign. This year, student leaders are encouraging all students, clubs, teams and groups to take an active part raising funds and will hold an official school-wide kick-off assembly on Dec. 2. 

Businesses also are welcome to donate to Hillcrest’s fundraising drive. In return, students promise “a shout out” in appreciation at their sporting events and on social media.

Donations will be accepted through Dec. 20.

“We hope the 5K will be a fun event, one where participants will leave with a positive feeling about it and about helping others,” Hurst said. “We’re hoping to make it an annual event.”