MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — Survivors, families and supporters came together in Milwaukee on Saturday for the annual Get Your Rear in Gear 5K Run/Walk, an event aimed at raising awareness of colorectal cancer and encouraging more people to get screened.

Guardant Health partnered with the Colon Cancer Coalition to support the event, which raises money for local colorectal cancer screening and education efforts, as well as programs serving patients and caregivers.

The family-friendly event included music, snacks, a children's fun run, a timed 5K run and an untimed 5K walk.

Participants could also walk through a giant inflatable colon designed to show what doctors may see during a colonoscopy and help educate people about colorectal cancer and the importance of early detection.

Get Your Rear in Gear events are organized by local volunteers with support from the Colon Cancer Coalition, a nonprofit focused on increasing screening and colorectal cancer awareness.

The coalition plans to hold 45 Get Your Rear in Gear events across North America in 2026.

"We know that colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States," said Chris Evans, president of the Colon Cancer Coalition. "Through our work and our partnership with companies like Guardant Health, we are hoping to change that."

Evans said the organization is also focused on supporting people throughout their experience with the disease.

"We are thrilled to welcome Guardant Health as the Patient & Survivor Sponsor at all Get Your Rear in Gear events in 2026, supporting patients along all parts of their cancer journey from diagnosis through treatment, and into survivorship," Evans said.

Organizers say increasing screening remains a major challenge.

Despite long-standing screening options such as colonoscopies and stool-based tests, more than 54 million eligible Americans — about one in three — do not complete recommended colorectal cancer screening.

Guardant Health says its partnership with the Colon Cancer Coalition is intended to increase awareness of available screening methods, including newer blood-based testing options.

According to estimates from the American Cancer Society cited by organizers, about 2,680 people in Wisconsin are expected to be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2026, with approximately 880 deaths projected from the disease.

Colorectal cancer has also become an increasing concern among younger adults, with organizers pointing to rising rates among people under 50.

While colorectal cancer can be serious, early detection can improve treatment options and outcomes, making screening a central focus of events like Saturday's 5K.

Organizers hope the Milwaukee event not only raises money for patients and local programs, but also encourages more people to talk with their health care providers about when and how they should be screened.