Huntsman SportsFest: More than a Day of Fun and Fitness

Jan 29, 2025

Read Time: 5 minutes

Collage of several groups of people participating in SportsFest

Huntsman SportsFest 2025

Imagine a future free from cancer—a future you helped create. This June 14 at Huntsman SportsFest 2025, there are no limits to supporting this vision.

Since 2011, thousands of courageous community members have gathered at to cycle, walk, and run in pursuit of a cure for cancer. While fundraising is not required to join the event, 100% of funds raised go toward Huntsman Cancer Institute’s breakthrough research, treatment, and prevention efforts.

A Scavenger Hunt for a Cure

For many Huntsman SportsFest participants, the cause is deeply personal. In 2024, Jerry Barber joined the event with his family, forming the team “Help Wanted—Myeloma Exterminator Needed.”

In 2013, Jerry was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. After undergoing a stem cell transplant at Huntsman Cancer Institute, Jerry went into remission until 2023, when the cancer returned once again. Through it all, Jerry says, “Huntsman Cancer Institute was there for me.”

Inspired by the care he received, Jerry and his family raised hundreds of dollars for cancer research through Huntsman SportsQuest, a large-scale scavenger hunt option introduced at Huntsman SportsFest 2024. This participation option involves a team of two to five individuals working together to accomplish various missions. Along the way, team members share videos and pictures, find hidden bonus quests from sponsors, and use creativity to solve a variety of challenges.

Jerry Barber sitting on a bench next to a statue of Abraham Lincoln

Jerry Barber and his family using a crosswalk

Jerry Barber and his family holding toys in a store

Jerry Barber and his family completing challenges for SportsQuest.

Jerry believes Huntsman SportsQuest was a great way to bond with his family, meet other members of the community, and join an important cause. Most importantly, it highlighted the role of fundraising in cancer research.

“The money raised by Huntsman SportsFest helps to further research and cures,” Jerry says. “Without all of the advances in cancer treatment, I probably would not be here today.”

Huntsman SportsFest empowers participants to tell a story like Jerry’s—whether their own, their family member’s, their friend’s, or their neighbor’s. Stories like these serve as the ignition behind Huntsman Cancer Institute’s goal of a future free from cancer.

An Emotional Bike Ride

When she rides, Emily Hobbs honors her dad’s story. Emily has been participating in Huntsman SportsFest since 2016—the same year her dad was treated for prostate cancer at Huntsman Cancer Institute.

“I chose this ride because I wanted to show my appreciation towards Huntsman Cancer Institute and recognize all of those who undergo treatment there,” she says. “A bike ride is nothing compared to the battles some go through with cancer.”

Emily Hobbs standing with her mom and dad at the SportsFest course

Emily Hobbs and her dad at Huntsman SportsFest through the years.

The abundant support and sense of community at Huntsman SportsFest inspires Emily to return year after year.

“It’s an emotional ride every year, but it’s worth it,” she says. “Seeing how much money is raised by all of the participants is a really good feeling, especially since everything goes towards cancer research.”

Emily encourages others to get involved in a way that makes sense for them. “You don’t have to bike,” she says. “You can walk the 5K. I’ve done that a couple of times, too.”

An Event for Everyone

Wallace Akerley and his family at SportsFest

Wallace Akerley, MD, and his family during the 1K Stroll

Apart from the 5K, participants can choose from various other walk and run distances. Those looking for a more challenging route can sign up for the 10K trail that runs through the ��г��Ƶ of Utah campus and Bonneville Shoreline Trail, and the smallest supporters can join in the fun by running the Kids Fun K.

Last year, another distance joined the list for walking and running. Imagined by Wallace Akerley, MD, oncologist and director of the Lung Cancer Center at Huntsman Cancer Institute, the 1K Stroll further emphasizes Huntsman SportsFest’s intention to reach all community members. Dr. Akerley’s inspiration for the 1K Stroll came directly from those he serves: patients with lung cancer. While it was initially imagined to empower patients with lung cancer, the 1K is open to anyone who wishes to participate in a shorter distance.

Volunteers Make a Difference

For other participants, getting involved in Huntsman SportsFest looks a bit different from a run, ride, or scavenger hunt. About 12 years ago, Heather Arauzo and other women from her church youth group signed up to volunteer at Huntsman SportsFest after searching for ways to get involved in the local community.

By the end of the volunteer shift, Heather’s ��г��Ƶren had joined the group to help run a water aid station. Seeing how hard her ��г��Ƶren worked and how much fun they had, Heather decided she would be coming back to the next Huntsman SportsFest with her family by her side.

“It has become a family tradition to work at the last water station along the route every year since then,” Heather says. “We love getting to volunteer and help make the event a success.”

Heather Arauzo and other volunteers on the patient patio

Heather Arauzo and other volunteers making a human pyramid

Heather Arauzo with a youth group volunteering at SportsFest.

Heather Arauzo and other volunteers participating in SportsFest.

While Heather believes Huntsman SportsFest is a great way to spend time as a family, she also believes the tradition has taught them all about hard work and service.

“All of the funds raised by the event go to help the fight against cancer,” she says. “There are so many different events for all ranges of abilities, and I love watching all the families participate together.”

Huntsman SportsFest events are all made possible thanks to volunteers like Heather and her family, and there are a variety of opportunities available. Volunteer positions range from helping with registration and check-in to staffing aid stations along the walk, run, and ride courses.

“I am always amazed at how many volunteers it takes to run an event of this magnitude,” Heather says. “Some people volunteer for a couple of hours, and others can volunteer for longer stations if they have the time.”

Shaping the Future

At Huntsman SportsFest, every form of participation contributes to a growing sense of hope for a future free from cancer—a future shaped by collective effort and determination.

“Huntsman SportsFest was created to give us power over cancer,” says Jen Murano, director of events and community outreach at Huntsman Cancer Foundation. “Cancer can make us feel helpless and overwhelmed, but coming together with thousands of people to fight it is very powerful.”

“I know we will end cancer together.”

Jen Murano

From the very beginning, Huntsman SportsFest has amplified the voices of thousands of individuals affected by cancer, ensuring that each unique story is told and remembered.

“There will be tears as we remember those we lost, but we will always, always have the determination that we won’t give up until cancer is gone. I know we will end cancer together,” Murano says.

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