38th Annual Avera Race Against Cancer is May 9

The 38^th annual Avera Race Against Cancer is Saturday, May 9, at cities across the Avera footprint, including Sioux Falls, Aberdeen, Mitchell, Pierre and Yankton, SD and Marshall, MN.

Total participation is expected to exceed 7,500. "We never take that for granted. Yet a lot of our signups each year are based on the excitement and inspiration people have experienced or heard about from past events," said Reid Jensen, Director of Annual Giving for the Avera Foundation.

The Avera Race Against Cancer supports patients with all cancer types. Funds support numerous projects, one of which is the Avera Cancer Institute Navigation Center, a round-the-clock source of comfort and support to anyone whose life has been touched by cancer. This 24/7 call center is offered across the Avera system.

Proceeds also go toward lodging or transportation assistance for individuals or families, screening and early detection, genetic testing, specialized equipment and comfort items, wigs for cancer patients, complementary therapies like massage therapy and Arts in Healing, special events like Cancer Survivors Day, grief support for families and more. All dollars benefit patients and families locally.

The Avera Race is one of the few large events of its kind that offers "week of" and "same day" registrations. "We've been doing that for 37 years and will continue to do that," said Elijah Bonde, Community Giving Manager for the Avera Foundation.

The Race has so many different facets that keep bringing people back. "Many are running enthusiasts who appreciate the chip-timed 5K and 10K races, with awards to top finishers," Bonde said. Others enjoy getting out for a healthy 1.5- or 3-mile walk on a spring day.

It's a powerful community moment when people come together to do good for a cause that matters. And for most, the Race is deeply personal. Foundation statistics reveal that 90% of participants are not cancer survivors themselves-they show up for someone they love who is facing or has faced cancer.

People can participate at several levels-as a runner, walker or sideline supporter. They can take part as individuals or join a team. There's even an option to take part virtually. "We've also gained strong support from individual and corporate sponsors," Bonde said. Sioux Falls Ford is title sponsor for the 2026 event.

"Cancer touches so many lives-including our patients, employees, friends and family members. As health care workers, it's especially meaningful for us to stand alongside our patients outside the clinical setting and show our support in a visible, unified way. It's become a tradition that brings our team together for a cause that truly matters," said Jayna Boeve, Mammography Quality Control Technologist, who leads a team from Avera primary care clinics in Sioux Falls.

"There's a lot of fun as teams show their spirit. But there's also inspiration as we recognize survivors and remember those who are no longer with us," Jensen said. "We see a lot of smiles and hugs but also a few tears."

Learn more, register or donate at AveraRace.org