YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – This year’s Panerathon raised over $600,000 to benefit the Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center (JACBCC) at St. Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown.

Over the last 14 years, the Panerathon has raised more than $4 million for the Mercy Health Foundation Mahoning Valley in support of the Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center, the first comprehensive breast care center in the region.

“We are blown away by the success of this year’s Panerathon,” said Sam Covelli, CEO of Covelli Enterprises. “We could not have reached the milestone of $4 million raised for the Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center without the support of our participants, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters, who have been loyal to our cause for well over a decade. Every year at Panerathon, we continue to show the world the generosity and the unity of the Mahoning Valley community.”

The event took place Sunday in Youngstown.

Thousands participated in either the 2 Mile Walk/Run or the 10k, which was open to runners of all ages.

“It’s great. Come out here, support, interact with people — people I’ve might not got to see for a couple of years or months — get to catch up with them and just come out rally for a great cause,” said Dean Cutrer, winner of the 2 Mile race.

First News’ own Samantha Bender, Kyle Alexander, Jim Loboy, Nadine Grimley and others participated in the event.