Thursday, December 3, 2009 2010 Dempsey Challenge scheduled for October 2 and 3 LEWISTON – Following an inaugural event that drew a maximum 3,500 participants from 32 states and four countries, Dempsey Challenge officials have announced a new two-day format for 2010. The Dempsey Challenge presented by Amgen, a non-competitive fundraising event which benefits The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing at Central Maine Medical Center, is scheduled for October 2 and 3 at Simard-Payne Police Memorial Park in Lewiston, Maine. The new format will feature a 5K (3.1 mile) run/walk and a new 10K (6.2 mile) run/walk on Saturday, October 2, followed by various cycling distances on Sunday, October 3. It will allow for more participants and accommodate those looking to take part in both disciplines. Returning events include the Festival in the Park which hosted a Health and Wellness Expo, live entertainment, participant lobster bake and the Amgen Breakaway from Cancer Survivor Walk. Online registration will be available Saturday, Jan. 30 at 9 a.m. More information regarding registration, fundraising, entertainment, routes and more is forthcoming. “The feedback we received from participants and volunteers includes some great ideas for next year,” said Event Manager, Wendy Tardif. “Our organizing committee is eager to integrate these ideas for a better event in 2010!” The inaugural one-day event included a 5K run/walk and four cycling distances (10, 25, 50 and 100-miles) and sold out with weeks to spare. In a recent online participant survey, 95 percent stated they plan to return in 2010. Of the 3,500 participants, a total of 2,080 registered for the 5K and 1,420 for the cycling events. Event namesake, actor and Maine native Patrick Dempsey participated in the 50-mile ride with professional cyclists George Hincapie, David Zabriskie, Stephen Roche and Ted King. The event attracted over 600 volunteers and raised over one million dollars. Through the event, Dempsey hopes to raise cancer awareness through education, prevention and early detection; and promote physical activity as an important part of daily life. The Dempsey Center, founded by Dempsey in March, 2008 in response to his mother’s multiple bouts with ovarian cancer, provides free support, education and wellness services to cancer patients, survivors and caregivers. For more information, visit www.dempseycenter.org. Amgen, a biotechnology company that makes medicines for people with serious illnesses including cancer, returns as presenting sponsor of The Dempsey Challenge. The event provides a great platform for Amgen's Breakaway from Cancer initiative, which is focused on raising awareness of the multiple free services that are available to people affected by cancer. For more information, visit www.breakawayfromcancer.com.