LEWISTON — At least 600 more people will run, walk, or cycle in this weekend’s Dempsey Challenge than in last year’s inaugural event.

About 4,100 people have already registered, said Mark Turcotte, a spokesman for the challenge. And people will have the chance to join the events up until 30 minutes before the start.

“Registration is still open,” Turcotte said.

In 2009, the organizers capped the total number of participants at 3,500, lest the numbers overwhelm the first-time fundraiser. This time, the event has expanded to two days and doubled its capacity.

People may also volunteer to help at any point in the weekend. All they need to do is check in at the volunteer tent at Simard-Payne Memorial Park in Lewiston, the challenge’s epicenter where every athletic event begins and ended.

“We have over 600 volunteers, but more are needed,” Turcotte said.

The numbers for the event show growing national and international interest, he said.

In all, registered participants come from 38 states and five foreign countries: Canada, France, Belgium, Italy and Switzerland.

People who attended last year will find familiar sights: timed rides, walks and runs and food and activity tents.

Building on the success of last year’s survivor walk, this year’s walk on Sunday afternoon will again be led by Patrick Dempsey, who founded The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing at Central Maine Medical Center. The actor and Lewiston native also founded the challenge, which helps pay for the his center’s free work.

This time, challenge sponsor Amgen is bringing its band for the walk: “The Onctones.” The band members are all health professionals, many working in hospital oncology departments.

Like last year, Dempsey plans to ride in Sunday’s 50-mile bicycle trek. This year, he also hopes to join Saturday’s walk, perhaps joined by his mother, a cancer survivor.

In an August interview, Dempsey said he believes the event is worth all the work. Last year’s challenge raised more than $1 million.

“It’s probably the greatest thing I have ever been a part of in my life,” he said.

dhartill@sunjournal.com

The Dempsey Challenge

Saturday, Oct. 2

5:30 – 7:30 a.m.

Registration and packet pickup at Simard-Payne Memorial Park for runners and walkers only

8 a.m.

10K and 5K Run/Walk

10:30 a.m.

Kids’ Fun Run

11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Packet pickup at Simard-Payne Memorial Park for cyclists

8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Festival in the Park, including Health and Wellness Expo, Vendor Fair, KidZone, 5 & 10K Café (participants only), Food Court, Spirit of Hope tent, The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing tent, live entertainment, health screenings and more.

1 to 2 p.m.

Survivor/Caregiver Event: Scott Burton, cancer survivor, comedian, author and world-class juggler to speak at The Public Theatre, 31 Maple St., Lewiston. Free tickets: Reserve online or call 207.795.2440.

7 p.m.

Dempsey Challenge “Fun Raiser” at Gritty McDuff’s featuring The Pete Kilpatrick Band. 68 Main St., Auburn

Sunday, Oct. 3

5:30 to 7 a.m.

Packet pickup at Simard-Payne Memorial Park

7:30 a.m.

100-mile cycle group is released followed by 50-mile, 25-mile and 10-mile groups

8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Festival in the Park, including Health and Wellness Expo, Vendor Fair, KidZone, Food Court, Spirit of Hope tent, Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope & Healing tent, live entertainment, Lobster Trap (participants only), health screenings, Amgen Breakaway from Cancer Survivor Walk and more.

3:30 p.m.

Amgen Breakaway from Cancer Survivor Walk followed by closing ceremonies.

For more details, check online at www.dempseychallenge.org.