The Valley's largest fundraising event returns to the Covelli Centre with the Panerathon 10K and 2 Mile Fun Run and Walk on Sunday.

The Panerathon team says thousands have already signed up this year, after last year's event was virtual due to the pandemic.

"We are really excited. We've seen great community support. People are very excited we have a fall date," Candace Madden, one of the event coordinators, said.

Danielle Covelli, the marketing director for Covelli Enterprises, said the Panerathon team is thankful and humbled by the support the community is showing for the event's return to in-person.

It's not too late to sign up for either the 10K or 2 Mile Fun Run and Walk. Here's what to know:

Registration deadlines:

  • Individual registration runs through race day. Race day registration starts at 8 a.m., at the Covelli Center

Prices:

  • 10K: $30 pre-registration, $35 race day
  • 2 Mile: $25 pre-registration, $30 race day

Race entry includes:

  • Dri-fit t-shirt (if participants registered by Sept. 24)
  • Event t-shirt (participants who register after Oct. 2 will receive a cotton t-shirt)
  • Race bag filled with items
  • Entrance to the post-celebration

Packet pick-up dates at the Covelli Center:

  • Team packet pick up (appointment only) is Sept. 30, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Individual packet pick up or all participants is Oct. 2, 9 a.m. - noon

The following roads in Mill Creek MetroParks will be closed to pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles from 7 a.m. to noon Sunday.

 
  • Price Road
  • Price Road entrance of Fellows Riverside Gardens
  • West Glacier Drive
  • West Drive
  • Slippery Rock Bridge
 

These roads should reopen shortly after the event ends.

The event has raised over $3 million in twelve years for breast cancer related causes for Mercy Health Foundation and the Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center (JACBCC). The center is the only breast care center in Youngstown.

More than 100,000 exams have been performed at the JACBCC since its inception in 2011. The unit has performed nearly 5,000 exams in the tri-county area since 2016 and is the only of its kind in eastern Ohio with 3-D mammography technology, which improves breast cancer detection and accuracy.

The event will also host a COVID-19 vaccine clinic. 

"Obviously, we're taking measures to make sure everyone is safe and spaced out," Covelli said.

Panerathon will feature hand sanitizing stations as well as provide free masks to everyone. Medical staff will also be available to address visitor's health concerns.

This year, the event will also feature the Joanie Abdu Mammography Van. 

"[The van] is able to go out and help women get breast exams [if they] wouldn't be able to come in and do that," Covelli said. "That's really helping save lives."

"We are excited that Panerathon is returning this year to support the JACBCC," Paul Homick Jr., President of Mercy Health Foundation Mahoning Valley, said. "This year's Panerathon demonstrates the resolve of our community to continue to support others in the community in need of medical services. We are grateful for the continued generous support of Covelli Enterprises, Sam and Caryn Covelli and the entire community."

Homick added it's important to continue raising funds for the important and lifesaving services provided by the JACBCC while ensuring that anyone can get treatment there, regardless of ability to pay.

Runners will get set to cross the starting line at 10 a.m., Sunday.

Panera Bread is also launching its month-long pink ribbon bagel campaign on Oct. 1.

"This year is really special because its the twentieth year of the [campaign]," Covellie said.

If you purchase one of these bagels, locally, throughout the month of October, 20 cents of your purchase will be donated to the Mercy Health Foundation and JACBCC.

Over 20 years, Covelli says the campaign has helped raise over $6.5 million in funds for the cause.