Photo courtesy of MRF’s Facebook Page 

The Melanoma Research Foundation announced the fifth annual Miles for Melanoma 5k Run/Walk on the Universal Studios Backlot, May 1, 2016 at 7:30 a.m.

All proceeds from the event go to accelerating the MRF’s mission of advancing research, education and advocacy for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

The MRF is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Progress has been made over the past two decades, but there is much more to be done to drive breakthroughs that can help all people facing this cancer live longer and better lives. The family-friendly Miles for Melanoma 5k Run/Walk in Los Angeles has raised over $1 million for melanoma prevention, early detection and research efforts! Participants experience a fun day exploring some of their favorite movie sets while raising awareness and critically-needed funds.

“Melanoma is the fastest growing cancer in the world, impacting people of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds. A great deal of progress has been made over the past few years but still almost half of people battling melanoma do not have effective treatment options,” said Tim Turnham, executive director of the MRF. “Our Los Angeles Miles for Melanoma event brings together the local melanoma community to support the development of new and better treatments that people facing a melanoma diagnosis so urgently need.”

Celebrity friends of the Miles for Melanoma 5k Run/Walk on the Universal Studios Backlot include Judd Apatow, Sean Astin, Jason Bateman, Jason Biggs, Vin Diesel, Soleil Moon Frye, Jason George, Tyrese Gibson, Ashley Hinshaw, Rob Lowe, Jeannie Mai, Kellie Martin, Leslie Mann, Tia Mowry-Hardrict, Tamera Mowry-Housley, Fred Savage and Molly Simms.

Participants in the 5k Run/Walk on the Universal Studios Backlot will experience many of the iconic movie scenes and sets that populate the Universal Studios Backlot, including Jaws, Back to the Future, Charlie’s Angels, Spiderman 2, the War of the Worlds plane crash, the village of Whoville, the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter – just to name a few! Attendees will get sun safety tips and free samples from street fair-type booths, and popular food trucks will be on site with refreshments.

Register now for the 2016 Miles for Melanoma 5k Run/Walk on the Universal Studios Backlot. This event sells out every year! Click to register: http://join.melanoma.org/site/TR?fr_id=1181&pg=entry.

Visit the MRF’s Miles for Melanoma website, or follow @CureMelanoma and @Miles4Melanoma on Twitter for more information about special guests, prizes and activities during the event.