Are You Ready to Hit the Pavement for Cancer Research?

It’s that time of year again where hundreds of Moffitt Cancer Center supporters, patients and team members will lace up their shoes and run, walk or wheel for a great cause: Miles for Moffitt presented by AutoNation.

This year, Moffitt’s premier fundraising event will return Nov. 20 to downtown Tampa after going virtual last year due to the pandemic.

“It’s been two years since we’ve held Miles for Moffitt in person, and we are ecstatic to be returning to downtown Tampa,” said Maria Muller, Moffitt’s Foundation president. “The raw emotions we feel on event day are truly unmatched. Everyone comes together to share their stories, and get inspired to support exceptional science to fight this disease.”

As the community comes together for the first time since 2019, many participants may be wondering what to expect for the 2021 event. 

Here’s What to Expect 

PARKING. Participants are encouraged to arrive well before 6 a.m., when Water Street and Channelside Drive road closures begin. Construction will make it more challenging to navigate downtown Tampa, so allow yourself extra time. More than 5,000 people are expected to attend. There are several garages and lots available for parking, however weekend rates and times will apply. Participants can view parking information and the course map in the Miles for Moffitt Event Guide.

REFRESHMENTS. Be sure to fuel up and hydrate before the event, but if you’re running behind, no problem. We’ll have Dunkin’ Donuts coffee, munchkins, water and fruit available. 

HEADQUARTERS. Upon arrival, participants can head over to Amalie Arena’s Ford Thunder Alley, where the event ceremony will kick off.

WARMUP. To get your blood flowing, participants will have a chance to warm up with a live Zumba instructor. 

ENTERTAINMENT. New to the lineup this year is Moffitt’s very own band, The ReMissions, led by the cancer center’s CEO, Dr. Patrick Hwu. The ReMissions will get the crowd moving with a live performance during the opening ceremony.  

EMCEES. Fan favorite Joshua Rivera will return as event hosts, with the addition of 10 Tampa Bay anchors Frank Wiley and Caitlin Lockerbie.

FIRST EVENT. Tampa Mayor Jane Castor will also say a few words and kick off the 10K event, as participants head to the start line located on Channelside Drive.  

KIDS. There’s fun for the little ones, as well, with the Tampa Bay Rays mascot Raymond hosting a dance party and a kids dash. 

FREE SCREENINGS. Moffitt’s Mole Patrol will also be on-site providing free skin cancer screenings, education and more! The Mole Patrol has screened more than 18,000 people over 25 years, identifying thousands of suspicious lesions that have led to a diagnosis of skin cancer.

SURVIVOR TRIBUTE. The cancer center will also hold a special ceremony afterward to salute those who are survivors and honor those who have lost their battle. 

Things to Know 

TEAM MEETUP. Due to construction, there is no space available for Miles for Moffitt teams to tailgate. Instead, teams are encouraged to have a designated meetup spot. 

ON-SITE REGISTRATION. If you haven’t registered for Miles for Moffitt, there is still time. On-site registration will be open until 8 a.m. 

COVID PRECAUTIONS. The cancer center is following COVID-19 precautions. Mask and sanitizing stations will be available throughout the race village. Moffitt will also offer an interactive virtual experience for participants not attending in person. 

Over the past 16 years, Miles for Moffitt has raised more than $7 million supporting lifesaving cancer research at Moffitt and has gained millions in additional federal support. 

Join Moffitt patients, team members and community supporters in their pursuit to help contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer at this year’s Miles for Moffitt on Nov. 20 in downtown Tampa. For more information or to register, visit www.MilesforMoffitt.com.