Julie Weiss, ambassador for the Hirshberg Foundation, crosses the finish line at the L.A. Cancer Challenge 5K, marking her 31st completed race this year. (photo courtesy of Angela Daves Haley)

On Sunday, Oct. 20, more than 2,000 people ran or walked the 5K course around UCLA’s campus for the 22nd Annual L.A. Cancer Challenge 5K. The Halloween-themed charity event benefited pancreatic cancer research, and is the signature fundraiser for the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research, which also produced the charity event.

Featuring a Fit Family Expo, the LACC included fun Halloween festivities, live course entertainment, raffle prizes, a silent auction as well as a whimsical Candy Land Kids Zone with lifesize décor including colorful lollipops and gum drops with bounce houses and fun Halloween activities for children.

Marking her 31st race this year, Julie Weiss took on the 5K as part of “52 Races for 52 Faces,” sponsored by the Hirshberg Foundation, to raise national awareness about pancreatic cancer.

This year, an estimated 56,770 Americans will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the U.S., and more than 45,750 will die. LACC raised more than $425,000 to help find a cure for pancreatic cancer and develop better treatments and early detection methods.

For information, visit pancreatic.org.