Hyundai Hope on Wheels Announces Inaugural 5k Race & Walk to Benefit Pediatric Cancer Research

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RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA--July 6, 2011: Hyundai Hope on Wheels today announced its first Hope on Wheels 5K Race & Walk, designed to raise money and awareness for pediatric cancer research during National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Held in the picturesque city of Rancho Santa Margarita on Labor Day, Sept. 5, and benefiting the Hyundai Cancer Institute at CHOC Children's, the event will feature a 5K (3.1 mile) run or walk, along with a Celebration of Life Family Fun Day, where families can enjoy face painting, carnival games, arts & crafts and more.

"September is National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and our Labor Day Hope on Wheels 5K Race & Walk is an ideal platform to raise awareness for childhood cancer and the need to find a cure," said John Krafcik, president and CEO of Hyundai Motor America. "I'll be running this race with lots of folks from Hyundai and runners from across Southern California, as we all come together to support this most worthy cause."

The Hope on Wheels 5K Race & Walk kicks off the organization's competitive September Hope Grants program, where Hyundai will travel to at least 60 hospitals to donate grants in the amount of $100,000 or more. By the end of 2011, Hyundai Motor America, it's more than 800 dealers across the country, and Hope on Wheels will have committed more than $43 million in donations to pediatric cancer research since the organization's inception in 1998. All proceeds from the event will go toward childhood cancer research and the Hyundai Cancer Institute at CHOC Children's Hospital.

Jenn Shelton, a top ultra marathoner out of Ashland, OR, who currently holds the record for the fastest female 100 mile trail race, will join in this inaugural event.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Online registration for the Hope on Wheels 5K Race & Walk is available until Saturday, Sept. 3 at 11:59 p.m., at only $30. Children nine and under can participate in the 5K Race & Walk at no cost, and race participants can take part in the Celebration of Life Family Fun Day at no cost.

The Celebration of Life Family Fun Day, which takes place immediately following the 5K, will celebrate the lives of the brave children battling the disease and will feature various activity villages to engage people of every age.  The event will consist of food vendors, a carnival with clowns and face painting, Wii, Kinect, and other interactive games, and even a classic car display, featuring the dream cars of a bygone era.  

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.