The American Association for Cancer Research community will have two opportunities to expand cancer research awareness — and enjoy the California weather — during this year’s Annual Meeting in San Diego.

The 2024 AACR Runners for Research 5K Run/Walk, an annual tradition that unites attendees and local residents to raise funds for cancer research, will take place Saturday, April 6, from 7:30-9:30 a.m. PT. The course will begin and end at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina Terrace, 333 W. Harbor Drive.

Individuals and companies are invited to team up for this signature event, and proceeds raised will go toward advancing research progress for the millions affected by cancer worldwide.

For information on registering or donating to the event, visit the event website. Participants can register until 7 a.m. the morning of the event, and donations to the event can be made until May 20.

The AACR is also partnering with Major League Baseball’s San Diego Padres to host “Cancer Research Night” on Tuesday evening, April 9.

Annual Meeting attendees are invited to the Padres’ downtown ballpark, just a short walk from the San Diego Convention Center and hotels in the Gaslamp District, for a game against the Chicago Cubs that begins at 7:05 p.m. PT.

Before the game, the AACR will throw out the honorary first pitch, and a cancer survivor will ring the “Mission Bell,” which rallies the home crowd to support the Padres. The Gallagher Square area just beyond the ballpark’s outfield fence will feature AACR representatives presenting information on cancer research, conducting giveaways, and accepting donations for the AACR Foundation.

A portion of ticket sales purchased through the Padres’ theme-game portal will also be donated to the AACR Foundation to support lifesaving cancer research. A variety of ticket options are available to fit any budget. Anyone who buys tickets through the theme-game link will receive a limited-edition AACR-Padres friendship bracelet set, and Annual Meeting attendees who purchase tickets onsite at the convention center can receive a special AACR-Padres knit hat.