More than two weeks remain before the 24th annual Alaska Run for Women, but women can get a head start now for Alaska's biggest footrace.
Multi-taskers can pick up their race bib and get their annual mammogram all at once on Saturday, June 4.
A mobile mammogram unit will be parked at the University Center that day during the 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. bib pickup. Women have until Tuesday, May 31, to schedule a mobile mammogram with Providence Imaging Center (212-3151 in Anchorage or 888-458-3151 toll free).
The mammogram/bib pickup is the perfect combination for a race that is a fundraiser for breast cancer related organizations.
Since 1993, the Run for Women has provided more than $4 million dollars in grants and free mammograms to help battle breast cancer. Last year's event raised enough money to provide $200,000 in grants to eight recipients, including the YWCA EncorePlus program, the Kachemak Bay Family Planning Center and a clinical research program at UAA.
A big portion of that money – $143,848 – came from 5,865 registered runners, who make donations in lieu of entry fees. A $25 donation is recommended, but many make bigger donations.
This year's donations are averaging about $30. So far, 1,736 girls and women have signed up for the June 11 race and have donated $52,464, according to the race's website.
If history is any indication, those numbers will grow dramatically between now and race day.
Mail-in registration ends Wednesday, June 1 (Box 230929, Anchorage, 99523-0929; registration forms are available at akrfw.org).
Online registration for the timed 5-mile run ends at 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 9, at akrfw.org. Online registration for the untimed 5-miler and the 1-mile event ends at 5 p.m. on Friday, June 10.
Runners can also sign up at one of four bib pickup events, including one Wasilla on Wednesday, June 1. Anchorage events are at University Center on June 4, June 7 and June 9.
Procrastinators can sign up on race day from 6:45-8 a.m. at Anchorage Football Stadium. The first event, the 1-miler, begins at 8:30 a.m.