_ The 2020 Guts and Butts 5k Run and Walk:

GI Associates & Endoscopy Center is proud to announce the new and improved Guts and Butts 5k Run and Walk. This event is intended to raise awareness of the importance of getting screened for colon cancer, and to celebrate the lives of cancer survivors and those who ran out of time.

Colon cancer is one of the most preventable and curable cancers when screened in a timely manner.

All net proceeds will be donated to the 70x2020 initiative whose goal is to have 70% of all eligible Mississippians screened annually by 2020. In 2019, we raised over $5300 to help fight colon cancer in the state of Mississippi.

Participants will be given a foam butt to wear outside of their race clothing, and there will be a "butt customization station" where participants can decorate or customize the color of their foam butts. This is an irreverent and awesome way to bring attention to a serious issue, and to reduce the stigma of colon screenings  and colonoscopies.

Participants who are survivors of any type of cancer will be given a shirt that identifies them as a Survivor, there will be a Survivor photo backdrop area for pictures, and survivors finishing the race will have a separate finish line where they will be given a rose to carry through the line as a thank you for inspiring others in their own cancer fight.

In addition, each participant will receive a custom race bib with an area where the name or names of loved ones who have fought cancer can be written in, allowing the participant to run "In Honor Of" this person. 

This year's event will have an option for participants to create and/or join teams. There will be awards for teams for best costumes, most money raised, and best cumulative finish times.

We are also introducing a crowd sourced fundraising option this year. Participants can pledge to raise at least $100 and will receive a free entry, and a special race t-shirt identifying them as a fundraising champion. Upon registration as a Guts and Butts Fundraising Champion, registrants will be given a unique link to share on social media and via email where donations can be made directly to the event.