Successful UCRF 5k Run

It was a bright clear day. The weather chilly. The grass was covered with frost. One could feel the cold bite to the bone. Yet, a number of people braved the cold to participate in the first UCRF Cancer Run- a noble cause. Some came as early as 8:15 AM. Others sauntered in later. All sought to show their support for the UCRF cause. UCRF appreciates.

The participants were few, but many countries were represented. For example, there was participant one from Congo; one participant from Cameroon; one participant from India, and several participants from United States and Uganda. This participation rate was encouraging. It reaffirmed what we have always known: cancer can touch anyone; so the message about cancer is relevant to many.

Participants were gracefully dressed. Many donned UCRF T-Shirts and sweatshirts to keep warm. We should have thought of UCRF sweat shirts...next time. On completion of the run, all participants received certificates of commendation. The participants then got yet another chance to learn about cancer, discuss the urgency of the message, and some participants decided to join.

So what was the impression at the end of the run? Most agreed the training sessions were fun with exercises, refreshments, chats and laughter. In case you missed the fall training session, don't fret! UCRF is planning fun activitied during Spring. In addition to a 5K we will have bicycle riding for all ages. Plan

UCRF is grateful to Mr. Mathias Wasikye for setting up a snack/refreshment table for the runners. We thank both Mrs. Mulongo and Mr. Gonansa for organizing the run. Both found the exercise a good way to learn about UCRF, practice message communication, and goal setting. They all said " we are ready to do it again!".

The Last Practice Run is behind US: OCT 30th Rain or Shine- We WILL RUN.

We have completed 7 wonderful weeks of practice runs. All who came for the last practice run were upbeat about the run, now barely a week away. Come Saturday, rain or shine, they will run. After the run, the final plans for the run were discussed. mundane details like when to arrive, when to start, when to finish, certificates, snacks, and yes-T-Shirts for the runners and CERTIFICATES for the FINISHERS!

Here is the program for those who will be able to come.

Run Date: October 30th, 2010

Run Venue: Rock Creek Trail starting from L. Needwood Park.

Run Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Issuance of Finisher Certificates: 11:30 AM

Registration opens: 8:00 AM -8:45 AM

Runner briefing: 8:45-8:55 AM

Run Starts: 9:00 AM

Runner T-shirts can be purchased on site: $10.00.

UCRF is grateful to Mrs. Harriet Mulongo and Mr. Gonansa Mugulusi for organizing the UCRF Washington Fall 5K Run.

The run is dedicated to the cancer patient. The mission of the run is to build membership and member leadership skills.

C U there!!!

Update on the Practice Runs for the UCRF 5K Fall Run

We have now had 5 practice runs to prepare for the UCRF Fall 5K Run. This is fantastique!

The attendance is small, with a minimum of four runners at one time and a maximum 10 runners. Small numbers, however, have demonstrated their advantage.

For example, members have got chances to ask why we have to run to spread the message about cancer. They ask "why don't we just get our there and spread the word about UCRF?".

There are no correct or wrong answers. During our discussions, mostly, when we are catching our breath, we have learnt that preparing for a run is giving us opportunity to:

a) learn about cancer, their different types, different causes, and how they can be prevented;

b) learn to practice our public as well as one-to-one communication. We speak to each other about cancer and UCRF, and then we speak to others. Our skills are becoming sharper;

c) learn and practice to organize small projects and to communicate project goals; and

d) practice and deepen committment to a cause we believe in.

These experiences are already bearing fruit. We have talked to and convinced 15 other individuals to run for the UCRF cause on October 30th, 2010. We have convinced a member to set up a snack table for our runners on the run date. Another has volunteered to speak about UCRF at a Ugandan event being organized to support education in Bumulukwani village in Uganda...yes, the Arlington Academy of Hope Gala slated for October 29th, 2010: http://www.arlingtonacademyofhope.org/. We are sure others will be at hand to explain why we are running to curious onlookers!

We are excited about our experience and we hope that we are planting a small seed that will grow, especially among the young ones-who are our hope for the FUTURE. Please follow our practice and support us.

CHASE AWAY CANCER

UCRF has now had 2 practice sessions for the Fall Fun Run. The last session still had a small turn out and so we would greatly encourage you to come and train with us. It will give you an opportunity to improve you fitness for the 5k run and also learn about cancer with a fun group of people.

Come join us on Saturday at Lake Needwood Park to CHASE AWAY CANCER

Date: Saturday 25th September
Location: Lake Needwood Park
Time: 8.30am

Practice makes Perfect

This coming Saturday, UCRF will be holiding it's 2nd training session for the UCRF Fall 5K run. Come join UCRF Chase away Cancer. The practice run will be led with a specialist trainer. It will be a very fun session, where anybody can participate.

Date: Saturday 18th September
Location: Lake Needwood Park
Time: 8.30

COME CHASE AWAY CANCER

UCRF's First Training for the Fall 5k

This morning, UCRF volunteers met at Lake Needwood Park for our first training session. Although the turn-out was not large, it was a very fun session led by an experienced sports coach.

There was some excitement upon arrival. Whilst everybody congregated at Lake Needwood Park, volunteers were waiting for their co-ordinator. Their wonderful coach called him where she received the wonderful news that the reason he wasn't there was because his wife was in Labour.

The session started off with a small game where all volunteers were introduced to each other. The mix of volunteers included a wide age range with people of varying running ability Everybody really can take part in this fun run for all.

After introductions, volunteers were walked through a relaxing stretching session before participating in some exciting relay races to warm up our muscles.

Today's first session involved a 2 mile run through the beautiful woods of Lake Needwood Park. Everybody was able to run at their own pace whilst still being supportively encouraged to do their best for the whole 2 miles.

UCRF volunteers enjoyed the session tremendously. Here are a few quotes from some of the volunteers

• "it was so much fun running in a group"
• "I enjoyed the exercise"
• "I thought it was a great exercise and also thrilling"

Although the turn out was small, as you can see, it was a rewarding experience. This is an event FOR ALL, we encourage you to help us increase numbers, get fit, and HAVE FUN. Come train with us and our experienced coach next Saturday 18th September. The session starts at 8.30 and the location will be the beautiful Lake Needwood Park. Help us support UCRF and CHASE AWAY CANCER.

Uganda Cancer Research Foundation Fall 2010 5K Run

The Uganda Cancer Research Foundation are proud to announce their Fall 2010 5K Run in Washington D.C. The run will be an exciting, community mobilization and outreach reach event that will bring a positive message about cancer among Ugadans to the Ugandan and general community in the Washington D.C. area.

The run will take place on the paved trails in the scenic parks of the Montgomery Rock Creek Parks.

To register interest or for more information, send an e-mail to ask@ucrfcares.org