Marathon Legends Strides To Raise Awareness Of Prostate Cancer

Prostate Conditions Education Council Announces Partnership with Marathon Greats

While there are few among the running community who are unacquainted with the names Bill Rodgers and Benji Durden, it is less likely they are aware that both U.S. marathon legends are prostate cancer survivors and committed advocates. Dedicated to educating the community about prostate cancer, these athletes have joined the Prostate Conditions Education Council (PCEC), a national organization committed to men’s health, as spokesmen for the Prostate Awareness and Cancer Education (PACE) Race Series.

Dedicated to saving lives through awareness and the education of men and the women in their lives, the PCEC launched the PACE Race Run/Walk Series in 2002 to enhance the publics knowledge of prostate health through events in cities across the country. Both Bill and Benji boast impressive biographies and their status among the running community will greatly contribute to this goal.

“I am proud to join the Prostate Conditions Education Council in their efforts to bring greater awareness around a disease that impacts one in six American men,” said Rodgers. “As a prostate cancer survivor, I want others to know the importance of early detection for this disease and see that it is possible to have a great quality of life after treatment.”

Bill’s impressive biography includes representing the U.S. as a member of its 1976 Olympic team, winning 20 marathons across five continents and 18 running awards (including induction into the Long Distance Running Hall of Fame in 1999 and USA Track and Field Hall of Fame in 2000), as well as holding several American running records - his status among the running community continues with the Bill Rodgers Running Center.

Benji was a member of the 1980 Summer Olympics United States marathon team, placing second. He was ranked among the top ten marathoners for six years and was ranked seventh in the world in 1982. Today, Benji still influences the running world as a coach of elite runners.

“The PACE Race Series is an opportunity to combine two areas I am passionate about, running and raising prostate cancer awareness,” said Durden. “Through these races, we have the opportunity to reach thousands of men, and their loved ones, with an important message – early detection of prostate cancer saves lives!”

Prostate cancer is the most common major cancer in American men. With a one in six lifetime risk of developing prostate cancer, estimates for 2009 indicate that more than 186,000 men will be diagnosed in the United States, and nearly 28,700 will die from the disease. African American men are twice as likely to get prostate cancer and twice as likely to die from the disease. The second leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind only lung cancer, prostate cancer is often treatable if detected early.

For more information on prostate cancer, the PACE Race Series and the PCEC, please visit www.prostateconditions.org.