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SOMERSET MEDICAL CENTER RAISES MORE THAN $113,000 AT FIFTH ANNUAL STEEPLECHASE DISTANCE RUN

Somerville, N.J. (October 23, 2013) – Somerset Medical Center hosted its fifth annual Steeplechase Distance Run on Sunday, September 29, 2013, raising more than $113,000 for the Steeplechase Cancer Center to benefit educational programs for its patients and the community. More than 1,400 runners and walkers competed in this year’s event in honor or in memory of loved ones, or to celebrate their own recoveries. The event was different from past years, as the main distance run was a 10K course, and also included a 5K Run/Walk, Kid Sprints, music, refreshments and more, over a scenic course in Hillsborough, New Jersey. The event was presented by Physicians for the Cure.

 

“Somerset Medical Center provides comprehensive care to our cancer center patients through a number of beneficial programs and support services, to help them live happier and healthier,” said Ken Bateman, President and CEO at Somerset Medical Center. “Funds from the Steeplechase Distance Run will allow us to continue to offer these needed programs and supportive services, to help patients enhance their quality of life while they are receiving our care. The event also promotes health and fitness in our community, unites local families, raises cancer awareness, allows survivors to inspire others, and provides people with the opportunity to honor their loves ones who have been affected by this illness.”

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The Steeplechase Distance Run began and ended at Amsterdam Elementary School in Hillsborough. The 10K, one of the most common long-distance runs and the new component of the race, featured a flat and rolling course running through the scenic neighborhoods and landscapes of Hillsborough. More than 300 runners prepped for the 10K takeoff on start mats, and there were mile clocks and energy stations, as this run was a challenging test of speed and endurance. More than 450 individuals participated in the 5K Run, where they covered a 3.1-mile course. More than 100 children ages two to 11 participated in Kid Sprints, a 25-100 yard walk designed for children.  Each child received a ribbon for completing the walk.  All runs are USA Track and Field (USATF) certified.

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An awards ceremony was held after the completion of the races, awarding top runners in each event and age group. Kenneth Goglas, a 32-year-old from Port Reading, N.J., proved his endurance by taking the overall first place awards for both the 10K and 5K. He completed the 10K in just over 34 minutes, and then had a ten minute break to prepare for the 5K run, which he completed in 16 minutes, also finishing in first place. Goglas was awarded two medals for his accomplishments, and medals were also awarded to the top finishers in each age category. Additionally, every participant was provided a t-shirt and goodie bag, as a token of the hospital’s appreciation for their support.

 

Many participants wore custom T-shirts specially made for the occasion. Several participants also visited Somerset Medical Center’s sign table, to write a message on a sign that was attached to their shirt, signifying the loved one they were running in memory of or to honor. Somerset Medical Center staff also educated participants about cancer detection and prevention, and were available to answer questions about the Steeplechase Cancer Center.

 

More than $113,000 raised from the event will benefit educational programs for patients and the community at The Steeplechase Cancer Center at Somerset Medical Center. The Steeplechase Cancer Center enables Central New Jersey cancer patients to see their doctors, undergo outpatient treatment and participate in promising cancer research studies – all in one place close to home.

 

The three-story, 63,000-square-foot facility, which opened in 2007, houses radiation therapy services, infusion therapy, breast imaging services, the medical center’s research team, oncologists’ and surgeons’ offices, nutritional counseling, patient navigator services, a patient resource library, the Sanofi US Wellness Boutique and complementary medicine services, such as yoga, t’ai chi, meditation and massage. The Sanofi US Breast Care Program is one of only a select few in New Jersey to achieve full accreditation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers and has also been named a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology.

 

For more information about Somerset Medical Center’s Steeplechase Cancer Center or to learn about cancer services, classes and events, visit www.steeplechasecancercenter.com.

 

About Somerset Medical Center

Somerset Medical Center is a nationally accredited, regional medical center providing comprehensive emergency, medical/surgical and rehabilitative services and a broad range of community programs to Central New Jersey residents.  It is nationally recognized as a Magnet® hospital for nursing excellence. The medical center is an affiliate of the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and a clinical research affiliate of Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey.  For more information please visit www.somersetmedicalcenter.com.

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