Register Now for Forrest General Cancer Center’s ‘Fuel to Fight Cancer 5K, 2-Mile Walk’ on October 18
HATTIESBURG, Miss. – (August 6, 2025) Approximately 16,000 Mississippi residents will learn they have cancer this year and getting to their scheduled treatment may be one of their greatest roadblocks.
Patients undergoing treatment at the Forrest General Cancer Center sometimes need transportation assistance in order to get to their appointments. Providing such assistance is the goal of the Cancer Center’s Fuel to Fight Cancer 5K. In its fourth year, this year’s run is set for 7:30 a.m., Saturday, October 18, and begins at the Cancer Center, 301 South 28th Avenue. A 2-mile walk, which is part of the 5K, and a free Kid’s Run, prior to the start of the race, are also part of the event.
The course, which starts in front of the Cancer Center, will travel south and make a turn onto Hillendale Drive and wind its way through the streets in the Thames Elementary School neighborhood before making its way back to the finish line at the corner of 28th Avenue and Arlington Loop. There will be a police escort for runners. There will also be three water stations along the way.
The Fuel to Fight Cancer Fund was established to support the travel needs of cancer patients as they travel to and from the Forrest General Cancer Center for treatments. The frequent trips required for treatment can often create both a financial and logistical burden for the patients and their families. Donations to support the fund can be made at the website below or you can mail a check addressed to Forrest General Healthcare Foundation with "Fuel to Fight Fund" as the note. The mailing address is PO Box 19010, Hattiesburg, MS 39404.
Funds raised from the run will be administered by the Forrest General Healthcare Foundation, a 501(c)(3) and distributed to eligible patients following a screening process by the Pine Belt Foundation.
“Thank you, everyone, for coming together and showing such incredible generosity and support to our cancer patients,” said Shannon Vega, race director, and director of Radiology and the Forrest General Cancer Center. “Your contributions and coming together to help the Fuel to Fight 5k have made a significant impact for our patients. The community’s kindness and commitment in helping fight cancer for the past three years has been truly inspiring. Please join us again this year as we Fuel to Fight cancer.”
The cost to register for the race or 2-mile walk is $45. Registration includes race entry, bib, T-shirt, refreshments, and chipped, virtual timing that provides real-time results. Awards will be presented in the following male and female age groups: under 10, 10-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70+. The 2-Mile Walk awards will be presented to the Top 5 finishers overall. There will be a cash prize for overall male and female winner.
Race packets can be picked up at the Forrest General Cancer Center from 4-7 pm, Friday, October 17, or 6-7 am, Saturday, October 18.
To register for the race, visit https://www.forresthealth.org/services/cancer/fuel-to-fight/.
To make a donation, visit Forrest General Healthcare Foundation and select Fuel to Fight.
To become a sponsor, fill out our sponsorship form.
All proceeds will benefit the Forrest General Healthcare Foundation’s Cancer Center Transportation Fund for patients in need. To date, the Fuel to Fight 5K has raised more than $145,000 since the first run three years ago.
For more information, email Shannon.vega@forrestgeneral.com or call 601-288-1625.
About Forrest General’s Cancer Center
Forrest General Hospital Cancer Center ranks among the largest and most sophisticated cancer treatment centers in South Mississippi. It offers a place where patients can receive advanced care in a beautiful, compassionate environment. Forrest General operates the only comprehensive community Cancer Center in the 19-county service area, and is accredited by the College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. The center features the services of a multidisciplinary team led by medical oncologists/hematologists and radiation oncologists, who provide high quality medical care in a continuum of settings. In addition to medical and radiation oncologists, a complete range of physician specialists provide expertise in diagnoses, surgical removal, disease management and reconstructive procedures.
