Hyundai Hope On Wheels Will Kick Off National 5K Run/Walk Series At The University of California, Irvine To Benefit CHOC Children's

IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyundai Hope On Wheels® will launch its 2012 5K Run/Walk Series on Saturday, September 1 at 7:30 a.m. at the University of California, Irvine. The 5K Run/Walk will start and finish at the center of campus at Aldrich Park, where the post-race Celebration of Life Festival will be held. All proceeds from the Hyundai Hope On Wheels 5K Run/Walk Irvine will benefit CHOC Children's Hospital, a leader in innovative pediatric cancer research and treatment.

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The Celebration of Life Festival at the 5K Run/Walk Irvine will include food and refreshments, live entertainment, vendor booths and giveaways as well as games, arts and crafts, and face painting  immediately following the race. The festival will also feature Hope On Wheels' signature Handprint Ceremony and check presentation with doctors, patients and families from CHOC Children's.

"We are immensely grateful for the ongoing support from Hope On Wheels and the opportunity we've been given to benefit from their second annual 5K here in Orange County," said Dr. Leonard Sender, Medical Director of the Hyundai Cancer Institute at CHOC Children's Hospital. "Through Hope On Wheels generous funding, Hyundai is making a huge impact here in its own community and across the country."

Runners and walkers of all ages and levels are invited to participate by either registering for the race or pledging to fundraise. Runners and walkers can register for $30 before Tuesday, August 21 and for $35 thereafter. On-site registration will be available for $40. Children under 9 years of age can participate in the race for a discounted rate of $10. All participants will receive a race t-shirt and race bib, a commemorative medal, professional timing and access to the sponsors expo and the post-event celebration. Awards will be given to the top finishers.

"We are excited to once again host a 5K in Orange County that will benefit our longstanding partner CHOC Children's, a leader in pediatric cancer research," said Zafar Brooks, Program Director, Hyundai Hope On Wheels. "Bringing the entire community together to raise awareness and funds for children, parents and doctors battling this disease everyday is a key element in Hyundai's mission. We invite the entire Orange County community to come out on race day and help support this important cause."

In 2011, Hope On Wheels made its largest single donation of $10 million to CHOC Children's – the largest corporate gift in CHOC Children's history.  Funds from Hope On Wheels are being used for groundbreaking pediatric cancer research at the Hyundai Cancer Institute at CHOC Children's, using the latest advances in genomic medicine to provide more effective, individualized treatment for children afflicted with this disease.

Supporters who wish to fundraise on behalf of the cause can make a fundraising pledge and become a part of Team Hope. Simply set up a virtual team and you'll receive your very own fundraising page to jump start your donations. All participants who pledge to raise additional funds will be eligible for six levels of great prizes, which include exclusive Team Hope apparel, and running gear and accessories from Brooks and Sportline. One grand prize winner will receive a trip to New York City to attend the 2013 Hyundai Hope on Wheels kick-off event. For more information about the Hyundai Hope On Wheels 5K Run/Walk in Irvine as well as the rest of the series, including registration and pledge details, please visit www.HyundaiRun4Hope.org.

Current sponsors for the Hope On Wheels 5K Run/Walk Irvine include American Association for Cancer Research, BuchalterNemer, Finn Partners, Ketchum, PromoShop, 24 Hour Fitness, Squar Milner and TELACU. To sponsor, contact Aaron Bensoua at 310.552.4128.

To register or to make a donation, please visit www.HyundaiRun4Hope.org.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Costa Mesa, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 800 dealerships nationwide.

HYUNDAI HOPE ON WHEELS

Hyundai Hope On Wheels® is the united effort of Hyundai Motor America and its more than 800 dealers across the U.S. to raise awareness about childhood cancer and to celebrate the lives of children battling the disease. For 2012, Hyundai Hope On Wheels plans to surpass $57 million in total donations to childhood cancer research since the program began in 1998. Hyundai Hope On Wheels is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

SOURCE Hyundai