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The Spirit of Survival is a multi-race event in downtown Lawton that focuses on raising funds and awareness for cancer research and clinical trials being conducted in the Southwest Oklahoma community. All proceeds benefit the Cancer Centers of Southwest Oklahoma and cancer research worldwide. It is encouraged for everyone to dress up as their favorite superhero, to "Be a Superhero in the Fight Against Cancer"

2006–2009: Building the Cancer Centers of Southwest Oklahoma
In 2006, Comanche County Memorial Hospital, Jackson County Memorial Hospital, and Duncan Regional Hospital recognized the need for local cancer treatment in the Southwest Oklahoma community, and began the 1st Spirit of Survival to help fundraise for the construction of a major cancer treatment facility in three locations: Lawton, Duncan, and Altus. The 1st race had only 327 participants.

The new Cancer Centers of Southwest Oklahoma broke ground and began construction in 2007.

By late 2007, the race had grown to over 1,000 participants and construction was well underway. Spirit of Survival 2008-2009 brought in almost 2,000 runners and walkers and the Cancer Centers of Southwest Oklahoma with its three locations were complete and seeing patients.

2010 to Present: Helping Cancer Research Locally and Nationally
After the completion of the Cancer Centers, the 5th Annual Spirit of Survival event turned its focus to help raise money for clinical trials in the community. All proceeds are 100% donated solely for the purpose of cancer research and clinical trials.

Under the direction of Medical Director Nadim Nimeh, MD, there are nearly 30 cancer research projects taking place at the Cancer Centers of Southwest Oklahoma. This includes 28 clinical trials, as well several drug protocols and registries. Recognized as one of the leading cancer researchers in Oklahoma, Dr. Nimeh has over 435 patients currently enrolled in research.

Spirit of Survival 2010 grew to over 2,000 walkers and runners and helped raise over $80,000 for cancer research. With that money, clinical trials began at Duncan Regional as well as attributed to the continuation and growth at the Lawton campus. The cancer research and clinical trials locally have a direct impact on the treatment of cancer nationally and could lead to a cure for all.

In 2011, the sixth-annual event included about 2,500 participants in the competitive and non-competitive events, 500 community volunteers and about $85,000 raised for cancer research.

Half Marathon
Also called the "Hulkin'Half Marathon". The race starts in the morning during the competitive events.

The course is fast and flat, great for personal records. Awards are handed to top results for each category and age group. Overall Male and Female winners are awarded a special trophy. This race is USATF Certified and ChampionChip timed.

5K
Also called the "Superhero 5K". The race starts in the morning during the competitive events.

This event is a 3.1 mile USATF Certified and ChampionChip timed race. The 5K Superhero Race has placer’s medals for the top three finishers in each age division & category and provides trophies for the top three overall male and female winners.

Half Marathon Relay
Also called the "SuperTwins Half Marathon Relay". The race starts in the morning during the competitive events.

The SuperTwins half-marathon relay splits the race into two legs, each a distance of 6.55 miles. This race is USATF Certified and ChampionChip timed. The course is fast and flat, perfect for a beginner training for their first race.

Placer medals will be awarded to the top 3 teams in each category listed below. The teams with the best overall times will receive a special trophy.

Spirit Walk
Also called the "Leah M. Fitch Spirit Walk". The race starts in the afternoon during the non-competitive events.

This event is designed as a fun and festive celebration of life to honor and remember those affected by cancer. There is no time limit for this leisurely stroll intended to show support in the battle against cancer.

Kids Marathon
Also called the "Superhero Kids Marathon". The race starts in the afternoon during the non-competitive events.

Kids ages 12 and under, log their first 25 miles of walking and/or running on a log sheet, then register to run their last 1.2 miles on race day. This completes their 26.2 mile marathon journey to better health.

Community Impact
All of the money raised from the Spirit of Survival is donated to the Cancer Centers of Southwest Oklahoma after race expenses are paid. Unlike other charitable organizations, there are no staff or administrative expenses (there are hundreds of volunteers that make this event possible) and a lot of the equipment is donated through sponsors' support. The main expenses are medals, shirts, awards and timing chips. In 2011 alone, the Spirit of Survival donated about $85,000 to the Cancer Centers.

From 2006-2009, the money donated to the Cancer Centers helped build all three locations. Before the combined efforts to localize available treatments for cancer patients, many Southwest Oklahomans have been challenged to fight the battle against cancer in unfamiliar places, hundreds of miles from home and isolated from their friends and family. In many cases, the cost and the resources to travel frequently for treatments have been too great, and patients have resolved to forego potentially life-saving cancer treatment.

Since the completion of the Centers, the funds raised from this event is used for research and clinical trials. They have been able to hire more staff in order to treat more patients and participate in more clinical trials.