by Christian George
YLS Board of Governors member
The time is approaching to step out of the rat race and into the road race. The Young Lawyers Section’s annual Run for Cover 5k will take place this year on April 3 at 6 p.m. As in years past, the YLS is putting on the race to raise money for the Florida Skin Care Foundation and raise awareness for skin cancer.
This year, the race will start and finish at Riverside Park, located near the heart of Five Points. The scenic course will run through Five Points and Memorial Park before returning along the St. Johns River. As always, the YLS is partnering with First Place Sports to ensure a competitive, safe, and enjoyable event.
Following the race, all runners, volunteers, and spectators will enjoy a party in Riverside Park, complete with food and beverages. Further, a band will provide live music to the Run for Cover celebrants.
Run for Cover is one of several races around the state of Florida that is run in memory of Alan C. Sundberg Jr., who died of skin cancer in 1998 at the young age of 33. Alan is the son of former Florida Supreme Court justice Alan C. Sundberg, and the brother of Tallahassee lawyer Bill Sundberg, who is one of the founding members of the Florida Skin Cancer Foundation. Founded in 1996, the Florida Skin Cancer Foundation is dedicated to educating Floridians about the dangers of prolonged exposure to the sun.
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States and the fastest growing. Each year, nearly 1 million people will be diagnosed with skin cancer. Melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, is the most common cancer among people between 25 and 29 years old. Skin cancer can be prevented if simple measures are taken. In fact, the disease is almost 100 perfect curable if detected and treated early. Unfortunately, when undetected, the disease is extremely harmful as it is estimated that one person dies of melanoma every hour in the United States.
At the race and party, free private skin cancer screenings will be offered to everyone (runners, volunteers and spectators) by local dermatologists. Over the past five years, dozens of local racers have been helped by the early detection of skin abnormalities as a result of the screenings conducted at this race.
This year, the race will include a competition open to all businesses and law firms. Prizes will be awarded to (1) the company or firm with the most runners, (2) the company or firm with the most runners finishing in the top 3 of each age group, and (3) the “most spirited” firm or company.
Please come out and participate in this very fun and worthy cause. If you would like to run or walk, please register at your nearest 1st Place Sports store or visit them online at www.1stplacesports.com.
The YLS is also looking for additional sponsors for this year’s race. If you are interested in sponsoring or volunteering, please contact Christian George at [email protected].
Thank you for your continued support of the YLS and its charitable events. We look forward to seeing you on the course!