Geneva Cancer Run roars to life

Almost 100 participants on motorcycles roared out of the parking lot of the Geneva Bar and Grill around 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 13. Riders had been gathering and paying their $20 a person registration fees for the annual Geneva Cancer Run since about 9 a.m. Merchandise and food vendors offered an array of options as the crowd continued to grow.

 

The first stop on the group’s 110-mile route was Shager Park near Faribault, where lunch was available for a free-will donation. A few more hours of riding and two more stops brought them back to Geneva around 4 p.m. The evening featured a live auction and open mic night. 

Many participants camped in the Geneva city park for the weekend, and had been there Friday night for a performance by Todd Utpadel, founder of “Musicians against Cancer.”

 

Jordan Carroll, treasurer for the cancer run, reported the event had 93 people register. Many purchased souvenir hats, t-shirts and bandanas. Valerie Blouin and daughter, Avery, were there. They bought awareness bracelets and a bandana. They were even nice enough to pose for a photo.

 

Jeannie Cates, originally from Geneva, reported that she attends the event every year. She said she enjoys it because the planners include so many entertaining elements, and because all the money raised is donated to help fight cancer. She complimented Utpadel both for the quality of his performance on Friday night, and for his ongoing efforts to support cancer victims.