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Community is at the heart of the annual The Ross Mullooly Project Outrunning Cancer 5K and Fun Run and on Dec. 12, hundreds from across the area will gather to remember the organization’s namesake and support a fight his family continues in his memory.
This year’s race, beginning and ending at its traditional locale near the Houma Courthouse Square, features much of the same components participants know and love, Ross’ mother, Monica, said. A one mile fun run kicks things off at 10:30 a.m., followed by a 5K set for 11 a.m. Once athletes have crossed the finish line, participants and spectators are invited to stick around for a host of delicious food, drinks and entertainment.
“We’re a family-friendly event,” Mullooly said of the race, started by Ross during his battle with colorectal cancer. “We also work to be a competitive race in the area because Ross was such an accomplished runner.”
All participants earn a medal for their accomplishment and top finishers also receive hand painted awards, a unique addition to the race created by local artist Sarah Hebert. Hebert swam with Ross on the Bayou Barracudas Swimming team and attended Nicholls State University with the Houma native.
Another one of Ross’ former teammates, Sarah Henthorn, and her family will serve gumbo to hungry participants post-race.
Mullooly said they also plan to bring back another popular addition to the menu, fresh fruit salad from Edible Arrangements and doughnut holes from Mr. Ronnie’s.
This year’s music, provided by Houma rock group Dulac Smack, will also be a particularly special portion of the event.
“All of the band members actually went to high school with Ross,” Mullooly explained. “It’s going to be a very emotional, heartfelt year.”
The most exciting moment of the day, however, will be as Mullooly takes the stage to present the American Cancer Society’s Patrick F. Taylor Hope Lodge with a generous donation. The New Orleans lodge provides comfortable living accommodations free of charge for those going through cancer treatments at nearby medical facilities. Hope Lodge also became a place of comfort for the Mullooly family during Ross’ cancer battle.
“Usually, every year, we present Patrick F. Taylor Hope Lodge with $10,000 right there on the steps of the courthouse when we do our raffle,” Mullooly said. “This year, they were in such need of new vans that we set our goals, probably around July, that we were going to try to raise enough money to buy one van.”
The Ross Mullooly Project generated $20,000 for the lodge to buy the vehicle necessary to transport those at the facility to and from their treatments. One van became two, however, when Peeples Drug Store offered to purchase another one in support of the cause.
“I was so blown away when I received the email from them,” Mullooly said. “The owners, Susan and Andre Brunet, their children were on the cross country team with Ross in high school. They were not in the same grade, but they said Ross provided a lot of leadership and they appreciated that.”
The vans are set to be unveiled during the race.
This year’s Ross Mullooly Project 5K and Fun Run will be Dec. 12.
