ScopeItOut: Tomorrow Can’t Wait Dukes 5K
Shenandoah Valley Gastroenterology Center and JMU Athletics Announce “ScopeItOut: Tomorrow Can’t Wait” Dukes 5K to promote colorectal cancer prevention and awareness.
Shenandoah Valley Gastroenterology Center, PLLC, in partnership with JMU Athletics, announces the “ScopeItOut: Tomorrow Can’t Wait” 5K Walk/Run on April 26, 2026, at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Registration is encouraged to be done online. You could also scan the registration QR code on site beginning at 9:15 AM at the Festival Lawn, with the race starting at 10:00 AM. Free parking will be available.
The event focuses on colon cancer prevention and the alarming rise of colorectal cancer in adults under age 50. According to the American Cancer Society, colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer-related death in people under 50, with rates continuing to increase in younger adults.
The troubling trend Is steadily rising:
- Incidence among Americans ages 20 to 39 is projected to increase by 90% by 2030
- Every day, nearly 60 Americans in their 40s or younger are diagnosed with colorectal cancer
- That is equivalent to one diagnosis in young people every 25 minutes
Colon cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, yet many cases occur in individuals without symptoms or family history. Most patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer do not have a family history, making screening especially important. The American Cancer Society recommends screening beginning at age 45, with colonoscopy considered the gold standard because it allows physicians to detect and remove precancerous polyps before cancer develops.
“Prevention is the most powerful tool we have,” says Dr. Javier Pou of Shenandoah Valley Gastroenterology Center. “We encourage average-risk individuals to begin screening colonoscopies at age 45. For those under 45, it is important to understand that colorectal cancer is rising in younger adults, to consult their healthcare provider if symptoms occur, and to recognize that colonoscopies prevent cancer at any age.
Tomorrow can’t wait when it comes to prevention.”
Event Details
Event: ScopeItOut: Tomorrow Can’t Wait 5K
Date: April 26, 2026
Location: James Madison University Festival Lawn Registration: 9:15 AM
Race Start: 10:00 AM
Parking: Free parking in C11 Lot, C12 Lot, and Ballard Parking Deck. Best accessed through Reservoir Road and University Boulevard.
The event will include a 5K run/walk, participation from JMU student-athletes, educational resources, and a family-friendly community atmosphere. Proceeds will benefit the Colorectal Cancer Alliance to support awareness and screening initiatives.
Community members, patients, students, and families are encouraged to attend and support the mission of preventing colorectal cancer through early detection and education.
Join us. Get screened. Save lives.
ScopeItOut — Tomorrow Can’t Wait
