Phoenix Hosted 13th Annual Race Against Cancer

Runners gathered in downtown Phoenix to raise funds for cancer research and treatment at Chase Field.

Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Cancer

Empty downtown Phoenix street at dawn with long shadows cast across the asphalt by low morning sun.
Runners and walkers gathered in downtown Phoenix on Sunday for the 13th annual 5K Race Against Cancer to raise funds for medical research. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The 13th annual Diamondbacks and Dignity Health 5K Race Against Cancer took place in downtown Phoenix. Participants walked or ran the three-mile course around Chase Field to support cancer research and patients.

Why it matters

This annual event raises critical funding for cancer screenings and research initiatives while providing a platform for the community to show support for survivors and those currently battling the disease.

The 13th annual event featured a three-mile route that circled Chase Field. Participants included individuals affected by various diagnoses, including patients diagnosed with breast cancer at age 43 and colon cancer at age 42.

The players

Diamondbacks

This professional Major League Baseball team plays its home games at Chase Field in Phoenix.

Dignity Health

This is a large healthcare provider that operates numerous hospitals and medical centers across the western United States.

Annette Mendez

She is a participant in the cancer awareness race whose son passed away from colon cancer in April 2026.

The details

The race brought runners and walkers to downtown Phoenix to complete a three-mile course that navigated around the home of the Diamondbacks. The event serves as a community-wide effort to generate support for medical treatment and cancer research.

Timeline

  1. September 27, 2026: The 13th annual 5K Race Against Cancer took place.

  2. April 2026: Annette Mendez lost her son to colon cancer.

The Big Picture

This event follows a pattern of local sporting institutions partnering with the Dignity Health cancer research and screening programs to amplify public awareness. It serves as a direct fundraising catalyst for these medical initiatives in the Phoenix area.

The event provides tangible support for local cancer patients by funding essential screenings and treatment access. Readers can participate in future iterations of the race to contribute directly to the local oncology support infrastructure.

The takeaway

Community-led races serve as vital hubs for connecting local families with medical support systems. Engaging in these events offers a practical way for residents to bolster funding for early cancer detection programs.

Further reading

Learn more about the latest developments in Cancer research and patient care in Phoenix.

Source note: This article includes information reported by FOX 10.

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