Free ME from Lung Cancer plans to hold its “Save Your Breath” 5K run/walk live this year on Saturday, Nov. 6. A virtual run has been included for those who would rather run their race their way or cannot travel to Augusta to participate in the live timed event.

The live event will begin from the Kennebec Valley YMCA at 31 Union St. in Augusta. All will be required to wear a mask while in the building. Doors open at 7 a.m. for race packet pickup, and the event begins at 8 a.m.

This year’s registration is $35 plus processing fees. Children younger than 13 are $17.50 plus processing fees. T-shirts will be available for those registered no later than 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 20. Those raising $100 or more will get a free registration and receive a token to use when registering.

There will be $100 cash prize for the overall male/female live 5K participants. All winners in the live race will receive Free ME from Lung Cancer’s Medals.

Awards also will be given to the top overall male and female in the virtual event.

The awards ceremony will be held at Bateau Brewing, 149 Water St. in Gardiner, immediately after the race. All winners must be present at Bateau Brewing to receive their prize.

This event is a fundraiser to help support Free ME from Lung Cancer’s mission, which includes research, helping uninsured high-risk patients get access to early detection via low dose CT scans, helping single-family low-income homeowners get access to radon air abatement systems, and helping COVID-19 relief funds in Maine hospitals to keep the high risk patients and front line workers safe.

Lung cancer patients are at greater risk from COVID-19, as the disease attacks the lungs.

People are asked to consider making an extra donation when they register or set up a fundraising page so that their family, friends and coworkers can support their run. This is one of two events that support the foundation’s programs. Online donations are processed at 6%. This supports RunSignUp web portal.

With last year’s money two grants for COVID relief funds were issued to area hospitals, provided 250 lung cancer care bags, set aside $15000 for a radon abatement program and $12,000 for its early lung cancer screening program. The nonprofit organization also worked with the Dana Farber Cancer Institute to fund a $100,000 research grant per year for two years to support a fellow researcher.

Additional race information can be found at freemefromlungcancer.org.

For more information, call Deb Violette, president, Free ME from Lung Cancer, at 207-215-9035.