The rain didn’t stop more than 1,500 runners and walkers from lacing up Sunday morning and hitting the pavement for the 15th annual Ultimate Run for Men’s Cancers.

Many people participated in 5, 10 and 15 kilometre races. The event showcases the most common cancers affecting men and benefits the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation.

“My father's a prostate cancer survivor so we're here for him today,” said Laura Townson.

“My dad died of cancer about three years ago and my brother-in-law 15 years ago so my daughter wanted our family to be part of it,” said Denis Roy.

A 2 kilometre walk was named in honour of Bell Media radio host Greg Hebert from CFRA who died in December after a gruelling three-year battle with cancer.

“This year it means more than ever and we wish it didn’t,” said CTV Morning Live weather anchor and Greg’s friend Jeff Hopper.

“I know that Greg would be very proud of us for doing it.”

Team Greggybear, made up of many Bell Media employees, was led by Greg’s wife Lauren and was the top fundraising team this year.

“Our goal was always to raise $100,000 and we broke the $100,000 mark last night thanks to some very generous donations,” Lauren said. “It’s so heartwarming to know that Greg’s legacy is stronger than ever.”

This year alone, the Canadian Cancer Society estimates that more than 23,000 Canadian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and more than13,000 men will diagnosed with colon cancer.

Those statistics prompt many participants to fundraise.

“You just see the community drive, you just see everybody come together and really  put together something that's going to go such a long way for these people who are battling cancer,” said Ottawa native and Florida Panthers defenceman Erik Gudbranson, whose brother was diagnosed with cancer eight years ago.

This year nearly $400,000 was raised for the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation. Over the last 15 years, around $3.4 million has been raised by the event.

The money will go toward research and equipment.

“We've also helped purchase equipment like CyberKnife and robotics and those are pieces of equipment that are just state of the art,” said Linda Eagen, the president and CEO of the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation. “And that means that the surgery or the treatment that’s made available through them is better, less evasive, people spend less time in the hospital and they recuperate faster.”

With a report from CTV Ottawa’s Katie Griffin