The River Valley Bank Hope Starts Here Challenge, an annual event that raises funds and awareness for the Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center, will be held this weekend. The UMBTC is a collaborative effort between UP Health System, Northern Michigan University and the Superior Health Foundation. Its mission is to empower patients and families dealing with brain tumors through advocacy, research, education and treatment. Here is information on the Friday night and Saturday events for media interested in covering the challenge.

The Friday expo is from 4-7 p.m. Friday at Lakeview Arena. Participants can register for events or pick up their racing bigs, t-shirts and swag. The Saturday events (half marathon, duathlon, kids' run, 10K, 5K and leisure walk) have staggered start times from 8:05-10:30 a.m., with awards and lunch at 11:30. 

Suggested media interview contacts are: Rob Winn, John Lawrence or Robert Belton from NMU; Sonia Geschwindt, MD (Neurosurgery) or Shane Kentala from UPHS; and Christian Palomaki or Ashley Cody from River Valley Bank.