Sonoma Raceway will utilize its 12-turn road course to continue the fight against stomach cancer, the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide, at the 5^th annual John's March Against Stomach Cancer on Saturday, Jan. 16.

The event is named in honor of the raceway's longtime spokesman John Cardinale, who passed away in 2013 after a two-year battle with the disease, becoming one of nearly 723,000 people who will die from stomach cancer in the world this year.

John's March offers a unique chance to raise funds for No Stomach For Cancer, a global advocate for stomach cancer awareness, early detection, treatment and prevention (www.nostomachforcancer.org), and enjoy a symbolic "march" around the raceway's 2.52-mile road course. John's March has raised more than $55,000 over the past four years and is the only major fundraiser for gastric cancer on the West Coast.

This year, participants are encouraged to raise awareness and increase their impact by creating a John's March team page at www.crowdrise.com/JohnsMarch.  This online registration tool is the perfect way to spread the word about John's March and gastric cancer, and increase the funds generated for No Stomach for Cancer.

Registration for the event is a suggested minimum donation of $40 per person, which includes the walk/run, a T-shirt and light refreshments following the March. For those looking for more of challenge, 5K and 10K race distances will be also marked with timers. A shorter, less hilly course will be available for those who do not wish to complete the full 2.52-mile circuit.

Participants are also encouraged to bring pictures of loved ones affected by gastric cancer to share on the Memory Wall, which will honor those affected by the disease.

 This is an all-inclusive event - children, pets, everyone is welcome. The raceway's Wine Country Winner's Circle will also be available for pictures before and after the march. No scooters or skateboards are allowed on track.

"I march for John because he was a beacon of hope for so many, and I can only do my best to be at least a pinch of that light," said Sonoma's Rachael Hairston. "I didn't know John before his diagnosis; I just met him at the March. I can't imagine not walking every year in his honor and in honor of all those affected by gastric cancer."

No Stomach For Cancer is a non-profit group that works to increase awareness and education about stomach cancer, provide a support network for affected families and support research efforts for screening, early detection, treatment and prevention of stomach cancer.

Day-of registration begins at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 16, and the March begins at 9 a.m. Advance registration is not required; walk-ups are welcome and encouraged. Please note: only cash and checks will be accepted at the event, but credit cards are accepted in advance through the website.  Checks should be made payable to No Stomach For Cancer, Inc.

For more information about John's March, visit www.crowdrise.com/JohnsMarch or contact Diana Brennan at [email protected] or 707-933-3918.