RUN Wenatchee

Proceeds from the Leavenworth Oktoberfest Marathon and Half-Marathon benefit cancer research at a University of Pennsylvania lab.

By Steve Maher
RunWenatchee.com

LEAVENWORTH — A cancer researcher with long ties to the Leavenworth Oktoberfest Marathon and Half-Marathon will take part in this fall’s event.

Sandra Ryeom will speak about her cutting-edge cancer biology lab at the University of Pennsylvania at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 2, at Sleeping Lady’s Salmon Gallery/Chapel Theater in Leavenworth. The lab studies ways to fight solid tumors genetically and to identify new targets for treatment at the cellular and molecular level. The cost to attend the lecture is $15. Tickets can be obtained by calling 800-574-2123 or 509-548-6344.

Ryeom also plans to run in the marathon on Saturday, Oct. 4.

The Leavenworth marathon and half-marathon, operated by TedDriven, has donated money to Ryeom’s lab for several years. TedDriven is named after the late Ted Finegold of Wenatchee, who co-founded the Leavenworth race and succumbed to the disease in 2010.

“It’s a big part of what we do and what we believe in,” said his widow, Lynda Finegold. “She agreed to come here and she’s a runner herself. We want people to know where their money goes and why we do what we do.”

The race will be celebrating its 10th anniversary on Oct. 4. Finegold said the two courses remain the same. The event is capped at 2,200 participants, with a cap of 350 for the marathon itself.

For more info on the event or to register: http://teddriven.com/leavenworth-marathon