Legendary Atlanta Hawks basketball star Dominique Wilkins will serve as the grand marshal of the 7th annual Winship Cancer Institute "Win the Fight" 5K on Saturday, October 14 on the Emory University campus.
"It's truly an honor to be asked to be grand marshal of this year's Winship 5K which raises money for cancer research that stays right here in Georgia," says Dominique Wilkins. "All of us know someone with cancer. Winship is leading the way in providing great patient care and conducting outstanding scientific research."
Wilkins, a nine-time NBA All-Star and Hall of Fame inductee, retired from professional basketball in 1999. He is the vice president of Basketball Operations and special advisor to the CEO for the Hawks. Last year, Emory Healthcare partnered with the Hawks to become the official sports medicine provider of the team.
"We're thrilled that the man nicknamed 'The Human Highlight Film' will lead the more than 3,000 participants of the Winship 5K in starting the race," says Walter J. Curran, Jr., MD, Winship's executive director.
Winship 5K participants can now register for the event on a newly updated website: winship5k.emory.edu. Participants who cannot be at the event on race day have an option to join virtually and can donate to the cause and be recognized.
"We seek to raise $1 million for Winship's cancer research programs this year, and we can reach this goal with the continuing support of so many amazing and dedicated participants," says Curran.
The Peachtree Road Race qualifier will have a new location this year at the Emory University Quad on Dowman Drive. The course will wind through the beautiful historic neighborhood of Druid Hills.
The Winship Win the Fight 5K is unique because it allows participants to direct their tax-deductible donations to benefit 18 different cancer research projects within the cancer institute.
For more information on the Winship Win the Fight 5K, log on to: winship5k.emory.edu or call (404) 727-6175. Also, like the Winship 5K on Facebook or follow on Twitter and Instagram.