Everyone is familiar with the fairy tale of Little Red Riding Hood. But you may not be as familiar with the cycling event named after it.For the past 30 years, women have banded together in beautiful Cache Valley to participate in Little Red Riding Hood (LRRH), a non-competitive ride celebrating the strength of women. LRRH has become a widely loved and acclaimed event due to its celebratory atmosphere, annual themes, great food, over-the-top decorations, and commitment to supporting women through charitable giving to Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI).
"We get bigger and better every year," says Curt Griffin, LRRH’s race director. "We love to party all weekend long with these amazing women. But what makes Little Red truly special are the big hearts of our participants and their commitment to helping us raise money for women’s cancer research at HCI."
LRRH has valued women’s health since its beginning in 1988. In 2001, LRRH decided to team up with HCI to support breast and ovarian cancer research. LRRH does this by donating a portion of each registration fee, hosting a silent auction at the finish line, and giving 150 guaranteed ride entries to the Huntsman Heroes cycling team.
"There are so many women who are affected with cancer," says Alice Telford, LRRH co-founder. "It is important that we fund research at HCI in women’s cancer specifically so we can help discover cures."
The event has grown over time, with more than 3,500 riders and volunteers participating in 2018. In 2017, the Huntsman Heroes team who rode in LRRH raised $111,402, bringing the total funds from this event to more than one million dollars since 2001.
To recognize years of support, HCI named an area of the cancer hospital after the event. You can find the Bonneville Cycling Little Red Riding Hood Multipurpose Room on the 6th floor.
Interested in riding this year to help support funding for women’s cancer research? The ride is Saturday, June 1, 2019. Lottery registration is now open and will close on Monday, January 14. Or, better yet, you can skip the lottery and get a guaranteed spot on the Huntsman Heroes team, which is open to anyone who wants to join. Information about joining the team can be found by visiting hope.huntsmancancer.org/littlered, emailing events@huntsmanfoundation.org, or by calling Huntsman Cancer Foundation at (801) 584-5800.