Miles for Mary, which has long served as a fundraiser for brain cancer research and this past weekend, the race celebrated its 11th anniversary in a big way, grossing more than $600,000 in donations since the event’s creation.
The Miles for Mary 5k run/walk was started in 2013 to honor Mary Park, who died from brain cancer in November 2012, as well as other beloved community members who have died from the same disease.
More than 140 participants signed up for this year’s race, which took place Saturday morning. Participants started at Devereux Beach then ran down the causeway and all the way around the Neck before returning to the initial starting area.
More than half the participants were from Marblehead with others coming in from various Boston area communities including Beverly, Lynn, Nahant, Salem, and Swampscott.
The 5k run/walk is one of two yearly events that are a part of the Miles for Mary initiative. The 2023 Miles for Mary Research Seminar will be held Nov. 6 at the Eastern Yacht Club, located at 47 Foster St. The seminar benefits Brain Cancer Research at the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center.
This year’s seminar features Dr. Elizabeth Gerstner, Neuro-Oncologist at the Mass General Cancer Center, who will be presenting recent developments in the treatment of brain tumors, including glioblastoma, a fast growing and aggressive brain tumor.
Dr. Gerstner’s presentation will highlight promising novel approaches being explored in clinical trials to treat glioblastoma tumors.