Registration for Penn State's sixth annual Coaches vs. Cancer 5K Walk/Run will continue this week until the race, which will take place at 10 a.m. Sunday, starting in front of the Intramural Building.

With more than 500 participants already registered, overall student director Colleen Leddy (senior-advertising and public relations) is confident that the number will increase during the course of this week.

"Registration usually picks up a lot over these last few days, and we expect at least 100 more participants to come out and sign up," she said.

More than 650 walkers and runners participated last year, combining to raise an impressive $9,000

Public relations director Christine Schad (junior-biochemistry and molecular biology) said that, though organizers hope to top last year's totals, the event is not all about the money.

"We always want to go above and beyond the year before, of course, but we also place a lot of emphasis on making people aware and excited about fighting cancer," she said.

"It's a horrible disease, but not everything related to it has to retain that image."

Schad said there will be speakers and inspirational signs along the course to encourage the participants as they make their way through the race.

"Whether they realize it or not, they are doing a great thing and should be excited about it," she said.

All money raised by Coaches vs. Cancer -- which is a partnership between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches and the Women's Basketball Coaches Association -- goes to the American Cancer Society (ACS).

From that point, the money is then distributed among three different causes.

"A portion of the money is dedicated to national cancer research while the majority goes to the local ACS and is used to help families right here in the Centre County who are affected by cancer," event director Andrea Caldwell (senior-marketing, Spanish and international studies) said.

Also funded by this event are cancer prevention programs that teach children the importance of physical fitness, good nutrition and the dangers of tobacco use.

Penn State's Coaches vs. Cancer student committee, which is a subdivision of the Undergraduate Student Government, holds several other events throughout the year along with the help of men's and women's basketball coaches Ed DeChellis and Rene Portland.

"DeChellis and Portland both help out a lot and are constantly giving their support to the organization," Leddy said.

However, neither will be able to make Sunday's event.

Coaches vs. Cancer also holds a Wing War at Hooters, 538 E. College Ave., a date auction and game nights, which are held at Penn State home basketball games.

In the past, the organization has also held 3-on-3 tournaments.

"The spring semester is dedicated mainly to the 5K with the exception of game nights, which extend through the men's and women's seasons," Schad said.

All participants are automatically entered into raffle drawings and are invited to attend a free spaghetti dinner at 5 p.m. tomorrow at the Wesley Student Center of St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 256 E. College Ave.

The public can also attend the dinner for a fee of $5.

Entry forms are available at www.clubs.psu.edu/usg/cvc, at the USG office in 223 HUB, or at Student Book Store, 330 E. College Ave.

The fee for entering the road race is $15.