Record breaking heat met Hannibal Cannibal runners and walkers for the 17th annual Hannibal Cannibal on July 7, 2012.  The heat didn’t stop the participants though, as over 1,800 enjoyed the Cannibal 5k/10k Run, Leisure Walk and Fun Run, making it the second largest event in the Cannibal’s history.

As the starting cannon went off at 7:00 am, runners and walkers took off along the scenic route through downtown Hannibal and out Highway 79.  Along the way they were cheered on by volunteers at water stations manned by team members from the James E. Cary Cancer Center, the Hannibal Clinic, Hannibal Regional Medical Group, and the Emergency Department of Hannibal Regional Hospital. Volunteers from the Hannibal Regional Hospital Auxiliary and other hospital departments met the participants at the finish line with wet towels and water.

Funds from the Hannibal Cannibal benefit the year-long Heart to Heart Campaign, which is raising funds for a state of the art digital cardiac network for our region.  When every second counts, immediate access to medical specialists is critical. To ensure life-saving care is only a heartbeat away, Hannibal Regional Hospital is creating an electronic ECG (Electrocardiogram) network that will facilitate 24-7 access to cardiologists for reading and diagnosis of critical cardiac events.  This system will speed treatment and greatly benefit our region.

"Hannibal Regional Hospital Foundation is so proud of this event and the success the Hannibal Cannibal continues to have each year," said Wendy Harrington, President/CEO of Hannibal Regional Hospital Foundation. "We offer a special thanks to all our volunteers, sponsors and participants who braved the heat to show their support of our event!”

Angie Wilcoxson, Co-Race Director stated, “I was so pleased with the number of participants this year, despite the extreme heat.  I never cease to be amazed at how incredible it looks to see that many runners take off down Main Street.  We are already looking ahead to next year’s race and look forward to seeing everybody back again.”  

To learn more about the Hannibal Cannibal, visit hannibalcannibal.com.  You can also ‘like’ the Hannibal Cannibal on Facebook.  For additional information on the Hannibal Regional Hospital Foundation, contact them at hrhf.org at by calling 573-629-3577.