Hyundai Hope on Wheels 5K Race & Walk Draws Nearly 1,000 Participants to Benefit Childhood Cancer Research

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RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA--Sept. 6, 2011: Hyundai Hope on Wheels today announced that its inaugural Hope on Wheels 5K Race & Walk on Sept. 5 brought together nearly 1,000 participants to benefit the Hyundai Cancer Institute at CHOC Children's while observing National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The event featured a Celebration of Life Family Fun Day in addition to the 5K Race & Walk, which was led by ultra marathoner Jenn Shelton and Hyundai Motor America President and CEO John Krafcik.

"For 13 years, Hyundai Hope on Wheels has been working with institutions such as CHOC Children's in the fight against childhood cancer," said Krafcik. "The support of both communities and our more than 800 dealers have been critical in this journey, and we are continuously looking for new wants to engage the community and raise funds. We couldn't have asked for a better place than right here in Orange County to hold our first 5K."

Following the 3.1 run & walk, local patients from CHOC Children's, both those currently battling cancer as well as those who have survived their disease, placed their colorful handprints on a 'Handprint Wall,' to commemorate their battles with cancer. As part of this ceremony, a $50,000 grant was given to CHOC Children's for research on sarcoma. The funds were provided by race participant entry fees and Hyundai Motor America.  

"Hyundai's support is invaluable as we strive to better diagnose, treat, and ultimately cure pediatric cancer, especially for sarcomas, a group of rare and aggressive tumors which have been relatively underfunded and which there has been little improvement in cure rates over the last 25 years," said Dr. Elyssa Rubin, CHOC Children's grant recipient. "With the partnership between the CHOC Children's Cancer Institute and Hyundai, we will change this."

The Hope on Wheels 5K Race & Walk was one of the first stops on the Hyundai Drive 4 Hope tour, which launched this month and features Hyundai's Tucson Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle. Over the course of the month, the Tucson will travel more than 4,500 miles in support of National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, visiting hospitals, donating grants, and collecting handprints and stories from children battling cancer.

Jenn Shelton, who currently holds the record for fastest female 100 mile trail race, joined the inaugural event where she led a pre-race stretch before joining in the crowd to race to the finish line.

"In my line of work, endurance is mandatory, but these kids who have battled cancer have shown me an endurance and drive that can't be found elsewhere, even on the ultra marathon course," Shelton said. "It's great to see families and individuals take time to recognize National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month at this important 5K."

Kyler Fisk of Rancho Santa Margarita placed first in the men's division with a time of 16:06. Cassandra Smith of Rancho Santa Margarita placed first in the women's division with a time of 19:38.

Additional highlights from the day's events included face painting, a classic car show and interactive games. And, area and local businesses who showed their support by sponsoring the Hope on Wheels 5K Race & Walk included the City of Rancho Santa Margarita, Tuttle Click of Irvine, Tustin Hyundai, Walgreens, United Studios of Self Defense, Trader Joe's of Rancho Santa Margarita, Green Hanger Cleaners, Icon Blue, Precision Pilates, Sumits Hot Yoga, Friends Sports Tavern, , American Association for Cancer Research, Dr. Rick McCarthy Chiropractic, Tesoro High School Cross Country Teams, Ruder Finn and Clean a Can.

For more information on the Hope on Wheels 5K Race & Walk, including event photos, please contact Kate Garsson at 571-224-4804 or garssonk@ruderfinn.com.

For more information on Hyundai Hope on Wheels, please visit Hyundai Hope On Wheels .  

HYUNDAI HOPE ON WHEELS

Hyundai Hope on Wheels® is the united effort of Hyundai Motor America and its more than 800 dealers across the U.S. to raise awareness about childhood cancer and to celebrate the lives of children battling the disease.  In 2011, Hope on Wheels will have committed more than $43 million in donations to pediatric cancer research since the program began in 1998.  Hyundai Hope on Wheels is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. 

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 800 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle warranty, Hyundai's 10-year/100,000-mile power train warranty, 5-years of complimentary Roadside Assistance and the Hyundai Trade-in Value Guarantee.