18th Annual Scare Brain Cancer Away 5K Run/Walk 2026 — East Rochester, NY

Join us for the 18th Annual Scare Brain Cancer Away 5K Run/Walk AND 1.5 Mile Walk When: October 31, 2026 Time: 9:00am (Walk slightly after the Runners go off) Where: East Rochester High School Start/Finish, running through the streets of East Rochester Cost: $35.00 5K Run/Walk **USATF Members get discount taken off at checkout** We will be offering our t-shirt, post race party, and post race awards to the top 3 in each age group (5 year age groups) Top Overall (1st, 2nd, 3rd Overall) finishers receive $50, 2nd $40, 3rd $30. Top Masters $30. Cutoff to guarantee a shirt on race day is October 1 Packet Pick up: Friday October 30th 12p - 6p at Rochester Running Company on Mt. Hope Ave OR Race morning 7:30a - 8:45a at the School Race day registration is available! 2026 Scare Brain Cancer Away Recipient: Michael Flanigan is 68 years old and the loving husband of Terry for 38 years. He is a devoted father to his two sons, Michael and Thomas, a proud father-in-law to Carly, and a cherished grandfather to his two granddaughters, Avery, age 12, and Courtland, age 3. Mike earned his master’s degree from Syracuse University and spent his career as an environmental scientist with Stantec before retiring in 2022. He is a devoted East Rochester resident who gave back to his community through 12 years of service on the village board as a trustee and deputy mayor, as well as serving on the Housing Authority and Board of Assessment Review. An avid runner, Mike has participated in this very race several times over the years. A true family man, Mike is known for being kind, honest, loyal, funny, and incredibly social—simply put, one of the best people you could ever meet. In February 2025, Mike was diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma and has undergone chemotherapy, facing several hospitalizations along the way with strength and resilience. During his tenure in service to the Village of East Rochester as a past Trustee and Deputy Mayor, Mike has been instrumental in advocating for the village to provide Public Safety and Highway Department staff it no cost to the charity for this and all of the 5Ks that have taken place over the past 17 years. Today, we honor Mike—not only for the challenges he continues to face, but for the life he’s built, the love he shares with his family and community, and the determination that reflects the spirit of this race. Proceeds of the race will be split between Mike and Wilmot Cancer Center Needs Fund.