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Colorado Tour De Cure Diabetes Fundraiser Bigger Than Ever

By Libby Smith

DENVER (CBS4) - The American Diabetes Association is holding its Tour de Cure fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 24 at Salisbury Park in Parker. This year's event is a combination of three ADA events; the Tour de Cure that usually runs out of Longmont, the southern Colorado Tour de Cure, and Denver's Step Out Walk to Stop Diabetes.

LINK: American Diabetes Association's Tour de Cure

"We really thought that by pooling all of our resources, we thought we could have a larger event, and greater serve the community, and, in turn, raise more funds for diabetes education and research and advocacy," said Deana Lehman, the chairperson of the planning committee for this year's Tour de Cure.

There will be the well-supported bike rides, including four routes to meet the needs of all fitness levels. There is the 20K family friendly ride, the 50K, the 100K and the 100-mile century ride. There will also be a 5K fun run/walk, as well as, a festival featuring important health and diabetes information.

"We also have some really fun things going on at the festival in terms of like an inflatable obstacle course, a bungee trampoline, and a high jump, that members of the public are invited to come out … you don't have to participate in walking or riding," Lehman said.

The Colorado chapter of the American Diabetes Association is hoping to raise about $1.8 million.

"The money is used for diabetes education, and research, and advocacy. Most of the research dollars will stay here in Colorado with the 17 Colorado-based researchers," Lehman explained.

Tour de Cure has long been a well-executed event that's fun and supportive of the diabetes community. Some participants call it life changing.

"Everybody out there is running and riding for a reason. Our participants aren't just out there because it's a really cool bicycle ride, which it is, but everybody is wanting to give back and do more to improve the lives of those who are affected by diabetes," Lehman told CBS4.

As at every ADA event, people who are living with diabetes and participating in the walk or ride will be designated by their Red Rider jersey.

"A Red Rider or Red Strider is a person with diabetes who wants to be recognized that way. We have very special jerseys for both the riders and striders, the walkers and runners, that say, 'I ride with diabetes' or 'I stride with diabetes,'" Lehman said.

You can still sign up for Tour de Cure. There is a minimum $200 donation requirement for any of the athletic events. Anyone can get into the festival for a small donation to the ADA.

Libby Smith is a Special Projects Producer at CBS4. If you have a story you'd like to tell CBS4 about, call 303-863-TIPS (8477) or visit the News Tips section.

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