1st Annual Concrete Hero Raises Over $400,000 for the BC Cancer Foundation

Funds raised will support life-saving research and innovations in care at the BC Cancer Agency.

VANCOUVER, B.C. – Concrete Hero announced over 1,000 participants, volunteers and supporters helped raise over $400,000 for the BC Cancer Foundation on Sunday.  Funds raised through the chip-timed, 9km urban obstacle challenge in downtown Vancouver to support life-saving research and innovations in care at the BC Cancer Agency.

“Thanks to this heroic community of participants, event staff, volunteers, and supporters for helping us make the first annual Concrete Hero a success,” said Doug Nelson, President and CEO of the BC Cancer Foundation. 

“The funds raised will power world class research and change the way cancer is prevented, detected, and treated,” Nelson added.

A first-of-its kind in fundraising initiatives and obstacle challenges in British Columbia, Concrete Hero incorporates a mix of British Columbia’s iconic landmarks as obstacles along the route.  Participants climbed over a dozen parked cars and several busses in the “Lions Gate Lockdown” obstacle, traversed over muddy water to complete the “Lost Lagoon” obstacle and scaled nearly two stories over a mock mountain obstacle called “The Chief.”  Participants surpassed other surprise obstacles including the “Skytrain to Nowhere” that involved two massive inflatable slides and culvert Skytrain tunnels and the “Second Beach Dash” sand pits with umbrellas, fake sea kelp, coolers and noisy lifeguards.     

The race start and finish took place at Strathcona Park Oval Track and included an urban-themed block party afterwards with music, beverages and food trucks.

"In May, my mom underwent a double mastectomy after surviving breast cancer and finding out she carries the BRCA2 genetic mutation that increases the risk of recurrence,” said Emily Macalister, a race participant and Burnaby resident.

“I also carry the gene and learned about it thanks to the services and testing offered by the BC Cancer Agency.  I’m participating in Concrete Hero for my mother, but also for all the other individuals impacted by cancer that will benefit from the funds we have raised,” Macalister added. 

Nelson says Concrete Hero is designed to appeal to all British Columbians who enjoy mainstream events and want to become Heroes in their hometown.

“Concrete Hero is the ultimate urban obstacle course highlighting all the wonderful landmarks in our city. By introducing an event right here in the heart of our city and adding a fundraising component, we enable more people to participate, fundraise and become Heroes by raising vital funds that will make a difference in the lives of all British Columbian’s diagnosed with cancer,” Nelson added.

Event organizers announce September 28, 2014 for the 2^nd annual Concrete Hero and opened registration for the event.

“We hope everyone here today and all British Columbians will register to join us next year for our 2^nd annual Concrete Hero event.  Visit www.concretehero.ca or call (604) 488-HERO (4376) to register now,” Nelson said.

To donate or learn more about Concrete Hero Vancouver, visit www.concretehero.ca or call (604) 488-HERO (4376).