Newswise — WhatThe second annual Kevin Rudi Superhero 5K Fun Run will start and end by the Memorial Stadium Field House in Las Cruces. Money raised for sarcoma research will benefit The University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center.

WhyKevin Rudi passed away November 12, 2014, from spindle cell sarcoma. He was 27. His New Mexico State University fraternity brothers started a foundation to honor his memory and to raise money for sarcoma research.

For Matthew Duran and the rest of the Kevin Rudi Foundation board of directors, the decision to use the superhero theme for their 5K fundraising run was easy. “He’s my superhero,” says Duran. Duran and Rudi were inseparable best friends in college and remained close until Rudi’s passing. “The guy didn’t give up,” Duran says. “He never gave up. He fought till his last day.”

The inaugural 5K Superhero Rudi Fun Run was held May 2, 2015, and raised more than $15,000. Almost 150 people ran and many more donated. This year, organizers expect more than 200 registered runners. Everyone is welcome.

Runners may register the day of the event for $30. Superhero costumes are strongly encouraged.

To register, please visit www.raceit.com/Register/?event=36004

To learn more, please visit the Kevin Rudi Foundation website at www.kevinrudifoundation.com/.

WhenApril 23, 2016. Run begins at 9:00 am and ends at 12:00 noon.

WhereMemorial Stadium Field House, Las Cruces, NM 88003

InterviewsMatthew Duran, [email protected], 505-717-5575

ContactDorothy Hornbeck, JKPR, 505-340-5929, [email protected]


About the UNM Comprehensive Cancer CenterThe University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center is the Official Cancer Center of New Mexico and the only National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center in a 400-mile radius. One of the premier cancer centers nationwide, the UNM CCC has 128 board-certified oncology physicians, forming New Mexico’s largest cancer care team. It treats about 60 percent of adults and virtually all the children in New Mexico diagnosed with cancer — more than 10,000 people— from every county in the state in more than 135,000 clinic visits each year. Through its partnership with the New Mexico Cancer Care Alliance, an “exemplary national model for cancer health care delivery,” the UNM CCC offers access to more than 160 clinical trials to New Mexicans in every part of the state. Annual research funding of more than $72 million supports the UNM CCC’s 132 cancer scientists. Working with partners at Los Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories, Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, and New Mexico State University, they have developed new diagnostics and drugs for leukemia, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, liver and pancreatic cancer, brain cancer, and melanoma; garnered 33 new patents and 117 patents pending; and launched 13 new biotechnology companies since 2010. Learn more at www.cancer.unm.edu.