WORCESTER, Mass. - The 23rd Annual UMass Cancer Walk and Run is back. and this year it's at Polar Park.

The event raises money for adult and pediatric cancer research and clinical trials at UMass Chan Medical School.  It  was virtual last year due to the pandemic and raised more than $500,000.

Nearly 3,000 people are registered to participate and organizers expect to raise more than $650,000.

“The goal is really just to raise as much funds as we possibly can. So far, this event over the last 22 years has raised over $14 million,” Julie Bowditch, manager of the UMass Cancer Walk and Community Fundraising, said. “So we really want to keep the momentum going until there's no need for the event anymore and there's a cure."

"I'm pumped. I think it's going to be a beautiful day,” Katie Oliver, Polar Park special events manager, said. “Having close to 3,000 people here will be such an awesome day and awesome experience for everyone."

Gates open at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday at Polar Park, followed by an opening ceremony and the run/walk, with both a 5K  and 1-mile route.