In an age of the continuing pandemic, ECAN can't host the series of in-person 5K events we planned.

BUT THAT DOESN’T MEAN WE CAN’T COME TOGETHER TO FIGHT ESOPHAGEAL CANCER!

Our October 2021 Steps to Save Lives Virtual 5K Run, Walk or Roll will be a fun - possibly spooky - and effective way to fight Esophageal Cancer.

Even though we won’t be running on the same course – we will be on the same track: 
our efforts will raise awareness and much-needed funding to fuel our quest to reach the day when nobody has to die of Esophageal Cancer!

WHO: Anyone can join – whether you are a runner, jogger, walker, or roller in a chair with wheels. When you register, you’ll have the chance to set up your own fundraising page, with your story and pictures or videos, and all of the support to make your efforts to gain support for the fight against Esophageal Cancer effective. You can even form teams and gather your crew together in this fight! We have prizes for reaching various fundraising milestones and very cool ones for the individual and team that raises the most!

WHAT: You will run, walk, or roll in your chair to cover 5K (or 3.1 miles). Everyone who registers will receive their event t-shirt, racing bib, medal, and goody bag through the mail. We will do our best to get your swag bag to you before the start of the race. We only guarantee arrival by October 24th for those who registered by September 24th.

WHEN: You can cover the distance at any time between Sunday, October 24th at 9 am EST until Sunday, October 31st at 9 am. We will kick off this special week with our online opening ceremonies at 9 am on Sunday, October 24th. For competitive runners, we are using an honor system, so you’ll just enter your time through our online form any time from October 24th – October 31st at 9 am EST. First, second and third place winners will be recognized with medals in both men’s and women’s categories based on age. And the men and women who have the top three times overall will also get special awards. Those winners will be announced during our spooky online closing ceremony at 2 pm on Sunday, October 31st.

WHERE: Any location that is convenient for you!

WHEN: You can cover the distance at any time between Sunday, October 24th at 9 am EST until Sunday, October 31st at 9 am.

WHY: Because you want to end Esophageal Cancer! You will fuel the fight against this devastating disease with your participation. Every dollar you raise will raise awareness of the link between acid reflux and Esophageal Cancer, promote Early Detection to Prevent Cancer before it Starts, fight for increased funding for medical research to find treatments to prevent, detect, treat and cure Esophageal Cancer. You will also provide trustworthy, useful educational programming and support for patients and families at risk for Esophageal Cancer. If you need some tips on how to be successful in your fundraising efforts, we've got them for you right here!

HOW: By taking Steps to Save Lives! For those who may need a little boost to prepare to go the distance, ECAN has partnered with the folks at Couch to 5K to give you the support you may need. We have week-by-week guidance, an online support community, and a even a special playlist to help you reach peak condition to finish the race!

Take Steps in Your Spooky Halloween Costume

and Win Prizes!

👻 Everyone who enters will receive a gift.

You can enter starting October 24th by submitting your very best photo or video (only one) of your creative 5K Halloween costume via email at StepstoSaveLives@ecan.org.

If you send more than one photo or video, ECAN will decide which is the best and post that for the voting.

All entries will be posted on the

Steps to Save Lives Costume Contest Album

on ECAN's Facebook Page - Voting is Open to the Public. Find the album: HERE!

The three most LIKED images will win our top prizes, so SHARE with your friends to make sure you gain the support you deserve!

Voting begins

Monday, October 25th at 9 am Eastern

Voting ends

Sunday, October 31st at 9 am Eastern

Compete to win Prizes!

1st Place:

$50 Amazon gift card & Steps to Save Lives wicking shirt

2nd Place:

$25 Amazon gift card & Steps to Save Lives baseball cap

3rd place:

$10 Amazon gift card & ECAN clear stadium bag

You must be registered for the October 2021 Virtual Steps to Save Lives 5k to participate.

Virtual Steps to Save Lives October 2021 supporting Esophageal Cancer Action Network (ECAN)

Virtual Steps to Save Lives October 2021

Virtual Steps to Save Lives October 2021 supporting Esophageal Cancer Action Network (ECAN)