LEWISTON — Auburn Firefighters Local 797 has joined The Dempsey Challenge as a Positive Tracks Partner and sponsor of the Kids’ Fun Run. The third year fundraising event will take place Oct. 8 and 9 and includes run, walk and cycling events to benefit The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing at Central Maine Medical Center.

The Auburn Firefighters’ partnership will benefit the Dempsey Challenge’s new Positive Tracks program, which encourages and supports community-building, wellness and philanthropy among young people ages 23 or under. The Positive Tracks Challenge Grant for Youth program is funded by organizations throughout New England, and will match all funds raised by event participants ages 23 or under, dollar-for-dollar, up to $100,000. All funds raised through The Dempsey Challenge’s Positive Tracks program will benefit The Dempsey Center’s Healing Tree Children’s Program.

The Dempsey Challenge offers an L.L. Bean 5K and 10K run/walk on Oct. 8 and fundraising rides presented by Exergy Development Group of 10, 25, 50, 70 and 100 miles on Oct. 9. All events will begin and end at Simard-Payne Memorial Park in Lewiston.

New for 2011 is a “superhero” theme where participants are encouraged to dress as their favorite comic book superhero or their own unique creation on Saturday, Oct. 8. Auburn Firefighters Local 797 and Dempsey Challenge organizers invite all children participating in the Kids’ Fun Run to be a “hero” and join in the fight against cancer.

Participants are encouraged to create or join teams to build camaraderie and assist their fundraising efforts. Registration is available through www.dempseychallenge.org.