Shawn Johnson Will Join Above + Beyond Cancer's Million Dollar Marathon Race

Olympic gold-medal gymnast Shawn Johnson will join Above and Beyond Cancer Million Dollar Marathon, a 4,000-mile relay race to raise money for cancer survivors and their families, when it passes through the Des Moines metro Tuesday and Wednesday.

After two full days of activities, Johnson wil carry the baton from Des Moines out of Des Moines bound for the Atlantic Ocean, where the race will end.

The baton will be decorated with flags from Des Moines area residents are encouraged to decorate a prayer flag in honor of a friend or family member whose life has been touched by cancer.

Tuesday night’s activities include a big street party from 7-10 p.m. with music by Chris Ranallo and Decoy.

Local residents can also join the race in Des Moines. On Wednesday, “Run Des Moines Run” is a 1-mile run/walk from the  Pappajohn Educational Center to the Iowa Capitol Building.

Before leaving town Wednesday morning, closing remarks at the Iowa State Capitol Building by Charlie Wittmack, Richard Deming, Shawn Johnson, and Marianette Miller-Meeks.