LEWISTON — A discounted registration for the third annual Dempsey Challenge will be available from Dec. 1 to 31 through the event website www.dempseychallenge.org.

Throughout the month, participants will have an opportunity to save $10 on standard registration fees, which will resume when registration reopens on March 1. The 2011 Dempsey Challenge is scheduled for Oct. 8 and 9.

Registration fees will remain unchanged from previous years: 5K or 10K run/walk, $35; cycling, $75; both events, $100.

“We can all use a break during the holidays,” said Event Manager Wendy Tardif. “This is a small way of saying thank you for the tremendous support the challenge has received over the past two years.”

The 5K and 10K run/walk will take place on Oct. 8 followed by cycling rides on Oct. 9. Cyclists will have a choice between five distances consisting of 10-, 25-, 50-, 100- and a new 70-mile ride. Participation will be capped at 6,500 for the weekend.

The $150 fundraising minimum will remain intact for participants 18 years and over. There will be no fundraising requirement for participants under 18.

The event serves as the primary fundraising vehicle for The Patrick Dempsey Center for Cancer Hope and Healing at Central Maine Medical Center. The Dempsey Center, founded by actor Patrick Dempsey in 2008, provides free support, education and wellness services to cancer patients, survivors and caregivers.

The 2010 Dempsey Challenge attracted 4,177 participants from 38 states and five countries, employed over 800 volunteers and raised over $1.1 million for the Dempsey Center. Patrick Dempsey was a major part of the weekend festivities and participated in the 50-mile ride alongside professional cyclists Levi Leipheimer, Chris Horner and Kevin Livingston.

For more information, log on to www.dempseychallenge.org.