The Incredible Bank Hope Starts Here Challenge
The Incredible Bank Hope Starts Here Challenge raises funds and awareness for the Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center (UMBTC). 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 tumor through advocacy, research, education, and treatment.
2024
This year's race is set for Saturday, June 15th. Stay tuned for more info!
PLACE
NMU Superior Dome
1401 Presque Isle Ave
Marquette, MI US 49855
PRE-EVENT EXPO! Stop by IncredibleBank's Third Street location (1101 N. Third Street, Marquette) on Friday, June 14th to pick up your t-shirt and bib. (Pickup will also be available at the event).
VIRTUAL OPTION: Unable to participate with us in person? No problem. Check out our virtual event option.
2023
This year's race date is set for June 17, 2023, and will once again be held in-person!
PLACE
NMU Superior Dome
1401 Presque Isle Ave
Marquette, MI US 49855
PRE-EVENT EXPO! Stop by IncredibleBank's Third Street location (1101 N. Third Street, Marquette) on Friday, June 16th from 5-7PM to pick up your t-shirt and bib. (Pickup will also be available at the event).
VIRTUAL OPTION: Unable to participate with us in person? No problem. Check out our virtual event option.
2022
This year's race date is set for June 11, 2022, and will once again be held in-person!
PLACE
NMU Superior Dome
1401 Presque Isle Ave
Marquette, MI US 49855
DESCRIPTION
Loyal UMBTC Supporters, WE'VE MISSED YOU!
As you know, the previous two Hope Starts Here Challenge races were held as virtual events. We cannot thank you enough for sticking with us and making our virtual events a success. We are thrilled to announce that our 2022 race is transitioning back to in person. The safety and comfort of all of our participants and volunteers is of utmost important to us, so we've made some changes keeping those things in mind.
NEW LOCATION! The 2022 Hope Starts Here Challenge will be held fully outdoors at NMU's own Superior Dome on the Northeast side of the building near Lake Superior. This will be where all races start and end, and also where we'll have our awards ceremony and lunch. Bring a lawn chair or blanket for the grass!
LATER DATE! This year, our event will take place on June 11th so we can have warmer temperatures to enjoy since we'll be outdoors.
PRE-EVENT EXPO! Stop by IncredibleBank's Third Street location (1101 N. Third Street, Marquette) on Friday, June 10th from 5-7PM to pick up your t-shirt and bib. (Pickup will also be available at the event).
VIRTUAL OPTION: Unable to participate with us in person? No problem. Check out our virtual event option.
2021
Thank you to all who participated in the 2021 Incredible Bank Hope Starts Here Challenge! In light of social distancing measures, this year's event was held place virtually from any location. Participants ran/walked/biked their chosen event anytime between May 8 and May 16.
John Karry Award Winners
The John Karry Award is the highest honor the UMBTC can bestow. It is dedicated to the late John Karry. John participated in the first Hope Starts Here Challenge in 2006. John rode his heavy beat-up bike 40 miles that cold, rainy Saturday in May. On Monday, two days later, he had a third surgery to remove a recurrent malignant brain tumor. John inspired us by his demonstration of exceptional courage and positive attitude. He challenged us to do our job better, and the winners of our annual Karry award are chosen for their passion, hard work and support of the UMBTC.
| Year | Individual | Team/Group |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Matt Jennings, PhD | Superior Health Foundation & Laura Jarvi |
| 2023 | Sarah O'Neill | Tripp Family/UP Rehab Services |
| 2022 | Paul Mann, Ph.D. | Rich’s Rebels |
| 2021 | Larry Collister | Northern Michigan University |
| 2020 | Ryan Kuzmak | The Kuzmak Family |
| 2019 | Jamie Spruytte | UP Health System Marquette |
| 2019 | Ashley Cody | River Valley Bank |
| 2017 | Shane Kentala | Walk in the Park - Escanaba, MI |
| 2016 | Robert Winn, Ph.D. | Students for the Upper Michigan Brain Tumor Center (NMU Student Org) |
| 2015 | Richard Rovin, M.D. | No Awardees |
| 2014 | Laurie Neldberg-Weesen | Madelyn Challier - Lemmer Elementary School |
| 2013 | Scott Bancroft | NICO Corporation |
| 2012 | Josh Bal Michael Broadway, Ph.D. | Jon Vizena, Joe Vizena, and Jarid Gibson - Road Bike Across America |
| 2011 | John Lawrence, Ph.D. | Joy Oysti - Superior Hills Elementary School Briana Bancroft - Birchview Elementary School |
| 2010 | Ashley Tapio | Lady Fishermen Basketball - Ilwako, WA |
| 2009 | Eino Olander Matthew Ludwig, D.M.A. | MSHS Wind Symphony |
| 2008 | Elizabeth Schut | Team Kus |
| 2007 | Elizabeth Schut | Team Kus |
| 2006 | Elizabeth Schut | Team Ortho |