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Racing Against Skin Cancer

The Miles Against Melanoma Oklahoma Foundation is holding its third annual 5K and one mile fun run a week from Saturday. 

Founder Ashley Watts who lost her 19-year-old sister to skin cancer says it’s still a very serious disease.

"One in five Oklahomans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime. It's a staggering statistic. Skin cancer has become one of the most common cancers for people in their 20s."

Watts admits she got some ribbing about not having a night time race, but she says this isn’t about avoiding the sun.

"We're really all about teaching sun safety and to practice sun safety. That's through seeking shade and through using sun screen and reapplying. So, we're not teaching people to stay away from the sun, but we are more teaching people how to enjoy the sun safely."

She says it’s estimated in 2016, more than 570 new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in Oklahoma alone.

The event on October First plans to bring in about 400 runners as well as food trucks, vendors and entertainment for the entire family.

Michael Cross is the host of KOSU's Morning Edition.
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