Twitch Fitness was one of the teams from Madison that has participated in the Liz Hurley Ribbon Run. (CONTRIBUTED)

HUNTSVILLE – The twelfth annual Liz Hurley Ribbon Run gives area residents a chance to unite in fighting for a cure for breast cancer.

The run on Oct. 17 will start at 8 a.m. with the lineup of participants at Huntsville Junior High School. Event proceeds will benefit the Liz Hurley Breast Cancer Fund at Huntsville Hospital Foundation.

Proceeds from this year’s race will provide digital tomosynthesis at the Huntsville Hospital Breast Center and Madison Hospital Breast Center. This technology uses X-rays to create a three-dimensional picture of the breast.

Starting in 2004, the run originally was a small event with about 1,000 participants. The run has grown to become the largest 5K race in North Alabama with an expected 6,500 participants.

The ribbon run includes a 5K race and a Survivors’ Walk.

In 1998, WAFF-48 news anchor Liz Hurley was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her mother succumbed to the disease when Hurley was a child. Hurley received extensive chemotherapy and underwent a double mastectomy.

The next year, she established the Liz Hurley Breast Cancer Fund at Huntsville Hospital Foundation and became a powerful advocate for breast cancer awareness and early detection of the disease.

Fund supporters have raised several million dollars for awareness programs for breast cancer and to equip Huntsville Hospital and Madison Hospital Breast Centers with the latest diagnostic technology.

The non-profit Huntsville Hospital Foundation was founded in 1978 as the fundraising arm of Huntsville Hospital. As a partner in the hospital’s continuing growth, the foundation accepts individual and corporate gifts.

Less than 1,500 ribbon run spots are available, with hundreds of participants registering daily. The race is limited to 6,500 runners in one race for men and women. If slots remain available, the last day to register online is Oct. 9.

Visit lizhurleyribbonrun.org to register online or for race information including course map and sponsorship opportunities.

For more information about Huntsville Hospital Foundation, call 256-265-8077 or visit huntsvillehospitalfoundation.org.