Corri La Vita Run for Life 2015

maglietta 2015jpg copy 2Sun. Sept 27: CORRI LA VITA (RUN FOR LIFE). Piazza Duomo. 9:30 am. Registration fee: 10 euro.

Going for a jog during the 13th edition of Corri La Vita (Run for Life) will benefit more than just the cardiovascular system, it will also help Florence’s annual fundraiser in the fight against breast cancer.

Open to runners and walkers of all levels and ages, Corri La Vita offers an eight-mile and a three-mile race route, giving an option of participating either in a mini marathon or walkathon. Both will finish at Piazza della Signoria after passing by various Florence landmarks.

For an additional five euro, microchips can be purchased; acting as a pedometer, they will keep track of the time for runners, who can then focus on going faster. This is especially useful to those taking the eight mile challenge: prizes will be awarded to the first 10 men and 10 women who finish with the best times.

Italian luxury company Salvatore Ferragamo will be outfitting all participants in bright pink T-shirts. Apart from making a fashion statement, these will also serve as the ticket for free entrance at several museums after the race: the Gucci museum, the Galileo Science Museum, the Stibbert Museum, the Ferragamo Museum, the Stibbert Museum and the Botanical Garden. Alternatively, the registration certificate will also suffice. Cultural sites like the Ricasoli Palace and Santo Spirito Convent in addition to the Orsanmichele will be open throughout the morning (9:30 am – 1 pm).

In the past, the money raised has been given to Ce.Ri.On, FILE, and SenoNetwork: respectively, an oncological rehabilitation center, palliative care organization, and pathology information initiative, these groups offer support to women both before and after diagnosis and treatment.

This year, in addition to these non-profits, donated proceeds will fund four new projects: Dama-25 by ISPO (Institute for the Study and Prevention of Cancer), 3D technical research by Azienda Sanitaria, APP by LILT, and the Breast Lesion Excision System at Careggi hospital.

Screenings including mammograms and breast exams for early detection are critical to beating the disease and are APP’s main focus. Prevention strategies, such as stressing the importance of physical activity and proper nutrition, are encouraged by ISPO through surveys, organizing “walking groups,” and more. Similarly, Careggi Hospital is working to reduce the risk of heart disease in women currently battling through radiation treatments.

To register online, go to www.corrilavita.it/en/registration/

For a complete list of open museums, sign-ups, and more information, visit corrilavita.it. (bianca cockrell)