Earlier this month, organizers of the annual Press On event in Bend announced on Facebook that it was canceled. Press On, which started in 2015, had included a 5K fun run, live music and a silent auction — all raising money for Tour des Chutes (a cancer survivorship bike race and 5k run) along with other local cancer survivorship programs.

But Renee Metivier and Recharge Sports, a healthcare and fitness center located in Bend, decided to keep the tradition alive this year. On Saturday, Recharge hosted a scaled-down version of the race, which started near ATLAS Cider on Southeast Wilson Avenue and ran through the Old Mill District along the Deschutes River.

Last year’s race attracted more than 100 participants and raised $18,000, according to Press On’s website. According to Metivier, minimal time for planning and marketing resulted in just 30 runners this year, but she said Recharge still managed to raise more than $700. She also noted that Recharge is hoping to increase turnout next year and keep raising money for the cause.

“We didn’t have a lot of time to really rally it together this year,” Metivier said. “But I’m still enthused because of the volunteers and runners who showed up and the money we were able to raise.”

Press On’s website says the theme of the race was “moving lives through cancer,” a motto that organizers used to emphasize the “healing power of physical activity” for people battling cancer. Metivier said Recharge kept the focus of this year’s race on that motto and wants to get the word out for next year’s race.

Press On’s impact on the community is not over yet, though. Metivier said she was told by Press On organizers that, while the main event was too much for them to handle this time around, they plan to host smaller events in and around Bend in the months ahead.

According to Metivier, Recharge is willing to take on the responsibility of continuing to host the annual race.

“Though this event was small in this transition, we are inspired by all who stepped up to make it happen so quickly,” she said. “We will continue the effort next year and rebuild this event.”

— Reporter: 541-383-0307, rclarke@bendbulletin.com