PO‘IPU — The Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i, in collaboration with the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, announced the 2024 7th annual Bum Run will take place on March 16 to raise awareness and funds for colon cancer research.
The Bum Run looks to spotlight colon cancer and the importance of prevention and early detection in honor of March being Colon Cancer Awareness Month. Additionally, the atrium of the Po‘ipu resort is lit in blue each night in observance of Colon Cancer Awareness Month.
“The American Cancer Society is honored to be involved with such an incredible event like the Bum Run at the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i,” said Kittrin Cade, development manager at the American Cancer Society. “This event represents a remarkable alliance in support of a critical mission — raising awareness and emphasizing the importance of fighting colon cancer. This devastating disease has impacted far too many lives, but we are hopeful that through our collective efforts, we can raise awareness, encourage screening initiatives, and research.”
According to research announced by the ACS earlier in the year, colon cancer has become the deadliest cancer of men under 50, and the second most deadly cancer for women under 50.
Registration for the Bum Run is active online at https://www.active.com/koloa-hi/running/distance-running-races/bum-run-kauai-7th-annual-fun-run-2024. Registration fee is $30 for adults, and $15 for children between the ages of 6 and 17 years old. Keiki under 5 are free. These fees reflect an early bird discount as day-of registration increases to $35 for adults and $20 for children.
Each registered participant will receive a Bum Run fanny pack for the event that takes place on March 16 with day-of registration starting at 7 a.m.
The Bum Run takes place starting at 7:30 a.m. and will take participants on a 2.5-mile trail through the Po‘ipu Bay Golf Course with mountain and ocean views, and possibly a peek at breaching humpback whales. The run is an untimed event and strollers are welcome.
At the event, participants can also take part in a silent auction featuring island excursions or tours, jewelry, and hotel package prizes to the Hyatt resorts, including locations in Maui, Waikiki, Seattle and San Diego.
Proceeds from the Bum Run will benefit the ACS Relay for Life, Kaua‘i that will take place in August at the Vidinha Stadium soccer fields.
The Bum Run and Colon Cancer Awareness Month hold important significance for the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i ‘ohana because the disease has impacted the lives of multiple colleagues and their families. The Bum Run was created by the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Sales and Marketing Team in 2015 in support of Diann Hartman following her diagnosis of Stage 4 colon cancer.
“As a colon cancer survivor nearing the 10-year anniversary since diagnosis, the Bum Run holds a special significance for me,” said Hartman, the director of communications with the Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i Resort and Spa.
“We are honored to welcome our guests and community members for such a meaningful event. As a young and active person who led a healthy lifestyle, I was blindsided when I was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer. In fact, I had just completed a 12-mile backpacking trip in Waimea Canyon the week before my first colonoscopy, and had never felt poorly.”
“Events like this Bum Run, and other Relay for Life events, are important for raising awareness that this disease can truly impact anyone, and for highlighting the importance of finding a cure,” Hartman said. “It also serves as an important beacon of hope and a symbol of remembrance and love for ‘ohana we have lost due to the disease.”
For more information, visit the ACS Relay for Life Kaua‘i website at www/relayforlife.org/kauaihi.
