The annual Race to Beat Breast Cancer in Harrisonburg is a powerful testament to community spirit and resilience, held every October to align with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The event, now in its 23rd iteration, drew hundreds of participants, transforming Westover Park and its surrounding streets into a vibrant sea of pink. This year’s race saw a lively turnout despite the chilly weather, underscoring the deep commitment of the Harrisonburg community to support breast cancer awareness and education.
### Event Overview
The Race to Beat Breast Cancer is not just a race; it’s an opportunity for runners and walkers to honor loved ones affected by breast cancer and to foster awareness about the disease. The course spanned various roads and bike paths, showcasing the picturesque surroundings of Harrisonburg while engaging participants in a 5K-style event. The race began and ended at Westover Park, where community members could gather before and after the event to celebrate their contributions to a vital cause.
### Community Impact and Support
The significance of the race extends beyond the physical act of running. This event raises substantial funds for the RMH Foundation, which plays a crucial role in providing essential services, including free mammograms for uninsured women in the area. This initiative is a major asset to the community, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent women from accessing potentially life-saving screenings.
Benjamin Craig, the director of special projects at Sentara, emphasized the importance of the fundraising efforts associated with the race. “Every entry fee and donation goes directly to supporting our local community,” he explained. This profound support echoes through the words of participants who come together each year, driven not just by a desire to compete but by a collective mission for better health outcomes.
### Personal Stories Shine Through
Each runner has a unique story that fuels their participation in the race. For example, Abraham Aponte-Colon, a 48-year-old resident from Broadway, shared his personal motivation for running—his wife, who is a breast cancer survivor. “I’m running for my wife. She survived the cancer,” he said, highlighting the emotional ties that many participants have to the cause. Stories like Aponte-Colon’s foster a sense of hope and determination among runners, reminding them of the strength manifested in the fight against breast cancer.
Others, like Laura Trissel from the Hahn Cancer Center at Sentara RMH Hospital, ran to honor their patients. Her team, affectionately named “Hahn-tourage for a Cure,” exemplifies how friendships and communal connections often extend beyond mere work relationships. “I love any chance I can use to get out and exercise in support of people’s battles with cancer,” she expressed, articulating the shared experiences that bind individuals working together in the health sector.
The event also attracted local businesses, with employees forming teams to rally behind the cause. Monica Shifflett, for example, walked the route with her colleagues from F&M Bank. Despite being new to the race circuit, her enthusiasm was infectious: “It was amazing to support this cause. I love that my company does these things.” Instances like these showcase how local enterprises can champion health initiatives and engage employees in meaningful community events.
### Diverse Experiences
With participants from various backgrounds and abilities, the race offered a diverse array of experiences. Some competed fiercely for personal records, while others took leisurely strolls with families, pets, or strollers. Grayson Elliott, for instance, traveled from Raleigh, North Carolina, to run alongside his family. He summarized his experience succinctly: “This was my first one. It was fun. Very hilly, but it was a lot of fun.” His participation added a familial layer to the event, illustrating how races can strengthen bonds between loved ones while promoting a vital message.
### Looking Ahead
The Race to Beat Breast Cancer is an experience that many participants hope to continue year after year. Aponte-Colon’s sentiments reflect a broader sentiment among participants: “Hopefully, I’ll do it again next year.” This annual event not only fosters community spirit but also keeps the pressing issue of breast cancer awareness alive in the public consciousness.
With each passing year, the race continues to grow, and so does its impact. The community’s dedication to advocating for breast cancer awareness and providing support for those affected is palpable in the air of excitement and solidarity that fills the streets.
### Conclusion
In conclusion, the 23rd Race to Beat Breast Cancer in Harrisonburg serves as a poignant reminder of the power of community action in the fight against breast cancer. With heartfelt stories shared and funds raised for vital community resources, this event truly unites individuals from all walks of life in a common cause. As the community continues to rally around this essential initiative, the hope remains that future events will lead to greater awareness, support, and health outcomes for women everywhere. As participants leave the track each year, inspired and uplifted, they carry with them a renewed commitment to contribute to the ongoing fight against breast cancer, proving that together, they can make a significant difference.
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