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More than 500 runners and walkers got up before daybreak Saturday to take part in Health First Dermatology's "Race the Sun 5K."
The race - offered to the community at no cost to participants - was held at Health First's Viera Hospital in Melbourne. Health First, which is dedicated to improving the wellness and health of all Brevard County residents, did not charge any registration or participant fees. The offering is part of an effort to raise awareness about melanoma, the least common but most serious form of skin cancer, which is mostly caused by sun exposure.
In addition to the free race, each runner and walker was provided a free sample of sunscreen to encourage healthy skin practices.
Awards were handed out for overall best times for men and women, as well as medals for specific age groups. Brayden Cheek, 16, of Melbourne took first place overall with a net time of 17:11.7, as well as for the men's division. Dina Viselli, 34, came in first in the female category with a net time of 20:13.7. Further results can be found here.
In 2019, an estimated 192,310 cases of the potentially deadly skin cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S., according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. An estimated one in five Americans develop skin cancer by the age of 70.
Melanoma usually appears as a dark brown or black mole with uneven borders and irregular colors, or has shades of black, blue, red or white. Moles that change can indicate a serious problem and should be examined by a dermatologist.
To learn more about protecting the health of your skin, visit HF.org/dermatology.
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