Cancer - nomen est omen. The disease eats its way mercilessly into the body. If you are lucky, you can contain the tumors for a while, but you can rarely fight them completely. Around 18'700 Swiss and 15'750 Swiss women are newly diagnosed with one of the various types of cancer every year, men most frequently with prostate cancer and women with breast cancer. One in two men and one in three women will be diagnosed with cancer in the course of their lives, and 15'394 Swiss people die of the voracious growths every year, with an upward trend. Since last year, cancer has even been the number one cause of death in the western world. In order to set an example against the disease and for those affected, as well as to support cancer aid projects and cancer research in Switzerland, the Cancer League has been running the "race against cancer" since 2010. The task: individual cyclists or bike teams of three to six people conquer the old Tremola pass road from Airolo to the Gotthard pass and back again - and do so as often as possible during 12 hours. Participants can stop as often as they like, take a break or even push their bike if they run out of breath. Teams can ride together or as a relay. The number of times the individual riders or teams make it back and forth is recorded, but there is no winner or prize. Instead, great prizes will be raffled off at the end of the race, for example watches or a sports check at the Hirslanden clinic. The entry fee for individuals is 2500 Swiss francs, for teams 5000 Swiss francs. The money is donated without deductions to Swiss cancer projects and cancer research. This year, the proceeds of the race are earmarked for cancer patients in economic hardship and for research into rare cancers. Teams can choose which of the two projects they would like to support. Those who don't want to bike can run in the guided walk "On the Road Against Cancer." The hike leads from Airolo along the old mule track to the Gotthard Pass. The path crosses the Tremola several times, so that hikers and cyclists meet again and again. The entire hike takes just under four hours, and those who wish can already start the return journey to Airolo at the intermediate station Motto Bartola in a shuttle bus. The hikers do not have to pay an entry fee, but donations of any amount are very welcome. Those who are not enthusiastic about either cycling or running can also support the sporting teams with a donation. A donation form can be found on the website www.raceagainstcancer.ch.
Giving up is out of the question
The motto behind the race is "Never give up - giving up is out of the question". Because the chance to get over the mountain is only given to those who do not lose their strength, courage and firm will - this applies to the participants of the race as well as to people suffering from cancer and their relatives. "The fact that the route of the race always leads back and forth is to be understood symbolically ", explains Markus Aerni, responsible for the event. "Even with cancer, things go up at times, down at times - but you're always fighting the same mountain." The "race against cancer" was launched last year to mark the 100th anniversary of the Swiss Cancer League. The event was attended by 100 cyclists, about 70 percent of whom were themselves affected by cancer or their relatives. "Among the participants were celebrities such as cycling legend Robert Dill-Bundi and disabled athlete Heinz Frei," Aerni says. "The most eager rider rode back and forth eight times, adding up to about 8'000 meters of altitude - once into the stratosphere. That rider's sponsor had promised a lap bonus and had to dig deep into his pocket." The 2010 race raised 220'000 Swiss francs, which were invested 1:1 in two children's cancer research projects and a cancer league project for patient care. "This year we expect about 300 participants, and by 2014 we want to have at least 1'000 riders," Aerni plans. "The Dutch parent event Alpes d'HuZes, which starts under the motto 'Opgeven is geen Optie' (Giving up is not an option, editor's note), generated a proud 12 million euros in 2010 in its fifth year of existence with 2800 riders. These figures show us the way." And they give encouragement to all those affected by cancer. But the "race against cancer" is not just a sign of solidarity and a new fundraising tool. Despite the serious background, it should also be fun, enjoyable and bring people together. That's why the event not only involves cycling and hiking, but the organizers have also organized a welcome aperitif as well as a starting and a closing event with a raffle and a joint dinner. In addition, they are helping participants find accommodation, because due to the early start, most athletes will have to spend the night around Airolo. Participants of the race who do not want to book a hotel can stay for free in civil defense facilities or camp.
Advertisers and communicators in demand
Stefan Ingold, CEO and partner of the Bern-based advertising media producer "Denz digital / Bedruckbar", has already put together his anti-cancer team: Together with Chris Morgan, Creative Director and co-owner of Republica, Daniel Tobler, Managing Director of Agency 01, and Thomas Klarnetas of Carbagas, he will torture himself on his bike over the Gotthard on August 27. "I have respect for the tour because, like my team members, I like to do sports, but far too rarely. We're taking part anyway, because it's not about winning, but about setting an example against cancer. How often we get back and forth is secondary. Our goal is to reach the pass as a team at least once. Then we have the fun." To avoid going into the race completely unprepared, Ingold and his three men now practice riding their bikes every Tuesday afternoon. "It definitely benefits us, because one of the most effective preventative measures against cancer is exercise," Ingold emphasizes. "As CEO, I'm always confronted with cancer cases that make me very concerned. It's just not something anyone can say is none of my business." Although the registration period for the event only began a few days ago, organizer Markus Aerni has already recorded 120 registrations. "Many are already taking part for the second time," he says. "In addition, various well-known personalities have already confirmed their participation, for example gymnast Ariella Kaeslin and ex-ski racer Bruno Kernen." Even Nella Martinetti is in on the action. The singer, who herself has cancer, cannot take part in the race. But she looks after the offspring of cycling parents in a crèche. So there is no excuse for not taking part in the "race against cancer". Now it is your turn. Help us and register a team for the "race against cancer". How about a mixed agency-client team, for example? Or an online editorial team? Then you'll not only be cycling or hiking against cancer, you'll also be strengthening customer loyalty or experiencing a great employee event. It's worth it in any case: The first three registrations received by the organizer under the keyword "Werbewoche" will be rewarded with a free annual subscription to Werbewoche plus four issues of Media Trend Journal.
Anne-Friederike Heinrich
Coming soon: Race against Cancer
When August 27, 2011
Bike race 7-19 o'clock
Hike 10.30-14.30
Route Cyclist old pass road Tremola; Airolo - Gotthard Pass - Airolo;
Distance: 25 km; altitude difference: 947 meters
Route hiker old mule track; Airolo - Gotthard Pass;
Stopover Motto Bartola with possibility of return
Entry fee Individual rider: 2500 francs; Veloteam: 5000 francs;
Wanderer: voluntary donation
Registration until August 8 at www.raceagainstcancer.ch, later registrations by arrangement with the office; [email protected] or phone +41 32 392 19 19
