UK HealthCare

'Healthiest Weekend in Lexington' to Benefit Markey Cancer Center

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LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 21, 2015) - Through his Ironcology fundraising organization, University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center oncologist and local triathlete Dr. Jonathan Feddock is partnering with the Markey Cancer Foundation to host "The Healthiest Weekend in Lexington," a two-day event June 12-13 that will focus on community engagement, cancer awareness, and promoting a healthy lifestyle while raising funds for cancer care at Markey.

The weekend includes the first-ever “Survive the Night Triathlon,” an overnight team relay that covers 140.7 combined miles of swimming, biking and running. The triathlon begins at 7 p.m. on Friday, June 12 at Spindletop Hall, 3414 Iron Works Pike, Lexington, Ky. Registration for the triathlon is $350 for individuals or $425 for a team of up to 10 athletes, and participants must register by June 1.

On Saturday, June 13, the event continues at 9 a.m. with the Something for Every Body Exercise Event and Expo, also at Spindletop Hall. Numerous local fitness centers have volunteered their time and expertise to create a choose-your-own-exercise format, where attendees can participate in a variety of small group fitness classes throughout the morning including yoga, TRX, Silver Sneakers, water aerobics, boxing, barre, body rolling and more.

Each fitness class will be available for a $5 donation. Participants will need to register at the event to reserve a spot for their preferred classes and times.

During the exercise event, local businesses will be on hand with information highlighting a healthy lifestyle for the prevention and treatment of cancer. The expo is free and open to the public.

Feddock, a seasoned triathlete who regularly competes in Iron Man competitions, began using his talents as an athlete to raise money for patient care at Markey last year. He raced in four long-distance events in 2014, using crowdfunding to raise more than $142,000 for Markey.

"After seeing the success I had raising money racing in triathlons, a lot of people expressed an interest in helping raise money for Markey in a similar way," Feddock said. "So I created the Healthiest Weekend in Lexington fundraiser with the idea that there would be something for everyone, whether you are a seasoned athlete or brand-new to fitness."

The Healthiest Weekend in Lexington is sponsored by UK HealthCare, Audi of Lexington, Big Ass Fans, Clark Material Handling Company and West Sixth Brewing. Fitness services will be provided by CycleYou, Fit4Mom Lexington, Legacy All Sports, LiveWell Training Club, Proof Fitness, PureBarre, Source on High, SweatLex and the YMCA of Lexington.

ABOUT MARKEY CANCER FOUNDATION

The University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Foundation’s mission is to reduce cancer mortality in Kentucky and beyond by supporting innovative cancer research and treatments, education and community engagement, state-of-the-art facilities, and compassionate patient care at the UK Markey Cancer Center.

ABOUT IRONCOLOGY

Ironcology is an exercise-based fundraising effort started by UK Markey Cancer Center radiation oncologist Dr. Jonathan Feddock in 2014. Feddock, a long-distance triathlete, originally set out to raise $200,000 through crowdfunding pledges for his efforts in the 2014 Ironman Louisville to put a downpayment on a new, state-of-the-art radiation implant suite at the Markey Cancer Center. With that goal now attained, Feddock is expanding Ironcology to the masses to engage others to participate in pledge-based competition and events to raise money on behalf of the UK Markey Cancer Foundation. 

MEDIA CONTACT: Allison Perry, (859) 323-2399