Hundreds of men hit the ground running today in Charlottesville, VA to help find a cure for prostate cancer. And according to local NBC-29 news station, some of those men are much healthier for participating.

The four mile annual race, now in its 5th year, is intended to raise awareness about the cancer and to raise money to fund research and support for people affected by the disease.

According to the American Cancer Society, there will be more than 186,000 new cases of prostate cancer in the U.S. this year, and more than 28,000 men will lose their fight against the disease.

Organizers say the event presents men with an opportunity to get in shape and possibly reduce their chances of getting cancer. Many of the runners haven’t gone the distance in years, if ever, so they take part in a training program.

Local radio host Steve Walker, interviewed, said this race was good motivation to get back into shape. Walker, who took part in the race’s training program, lost about 30 pounds and says its made him a healthier person.

““It’s certainly helped me out considerably,’” he tells NBC. “My heart rate went from 84 resting to 64 resting in a matter of eight weeks of running, so it’s really good for a guy who’s 58 years old and probably 80 pounds overweight.”‘

The men’s four mile race, which brings together professionals, amateur racers and first-time runners, adds a personal health outcome to each runner’s participation.

VIDEO CLIP IS HERE: Race to Aid Prostate Cancer Awareness