High school students raise over $90,000 for cancer research with annual 5k race

Hundreds of people on Sunday packed WakeMed Soccer in Cary for the Running Over Cancer 5k run.

The race was organized by a team of high school students in 2012, hoping to raise awareness and funds for research.

Since then, it has raised over $1 million for the American Cancer Society and passed down to other high school students passionate about finding a cure for cancer.

For participants, Princess Catherine of Wales’ diagnosis was a reminder that cancer can affect anyone.

“It has touched almost everyone’s lives in some way or another,” Running Over Cancer 5k co-char Charlotte Stringer said. “So fundraising for it and getting patient support and research money… It’s so important, and it can change people’s lives.”

Chris Speranza, a junior at Ravenscroft, said the race is important for him on a personal level.

“A lot of my members of my family have been affected by cancer [of] all different types,” he explained. “Being able to run for them…it’s truly a great cause.”

The students were some of the more than 400 people who participated in the 5k on Sunday. The students use the funds raised to earn a spot in Oregon’s Hood to Coast Relay Race, known as the “Mother of All Relays,” with over 12,500 entrants.

During the race, they learned how to get sponsors and work with organizations to support the American Cancer Society. More than 400 people came out.

As participants walked or ran on the track.. they reflected on each step aimed at getting closer to the goal: curing the disease.

“[The race] brings not only awareness, but I know there are programs to the ACS, like the Hope Lodge, which my grandmother was a benefactor from. She got to stay for free while she was getting her treatment,” Speranza said. “So knowing that I'm able to provide resources like that for other people, not just my grandmother, is a great feeling.”