Most 5Ks and 10Ks are associated with a cause, most frequently a disease or other health concern and less frequently a  human services charity. How deeply the race is steeped in information for their fundraising cause varies. At many a race, I’ve picked up my banana and bagel, stayed for the awards ceremony and left the venue only vaguely aware of the charity or cause.

This was not the case at the Moving for Melanoma 5K. My purpose for seeking out this 5K in Wilmington was not to learn about Melanoma but to run a qualifying race to ensure my participation in the 2015 National Senior Games.

I hoped to come away with a qualifying time, but didn’t expect an education. I received both. Moving for Melanoma of Delaware focuses on building awareness and prevention of Melanoma, raises funds for research and provides support to those affected in the community in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

I picked up my race packet and checked in with officials at the Delaware Senior Olympics table. On a slightly muggy morning, I ran a 26:12, well under the maximum qualifying time allowed for the F65-69 age group.

Other runners were there to get a similar qualifying time and still others simply looking for a weekend 5K. With nearly 1,000 finishers, no doubt we were outnumbered by the multiple fundraising teams, some over 100 strong, running and walking for friends and family in treatment for Melanoma. Other teams participated in memory of a loved one lost.

At the finish line and beyond the bananas and bagels were multiple tents and kiosks with information on Melanoma prevention and ongoing research on the disease. Post-race speakers made their running audience aware of activity that will make any of us more vulnerable to Melanoma. I also became aware that this disease can strike even when we take precautions.

I got more than I came for. My love of running, hiking, walking, snowshoeing, gardening and generally enjoying the outdoors won’t change. But I realize my habitual application of sunscreen alone while important is not a guarantee.

This was a wake up call. The Moving for Melanoma 5K began my education process and its up to me to continue it with action.  And, what action do you take to protect your skin and save your life?