To help make the vision a reality, more than 2500 people from around the Tri-Cities area laced-up their running shoes for the Third Annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® held on Sunday, October 26 at Memorial Park in Kingsport. As in past years, the race turned out to be much more than just a run or walk to raise money for cancer. It became a place for people to show support for those who’ve won the battle and honor loved ones who lost their fight.
The event was fun for all in attendance and provided something for everyone including a 5K Race/Walk; One Mile Dash for children under 14, and even a Nap for the Cure for those who couldn’t race or attend, but still wanted to show their support.
Many local companies, organizations and individuals formed teams and participated in the activities of the day. And because of the overwhelming team support and turnout, the team participation and money raised will be verified and team awards will be posted on the Komen Tri-Cities Affiliate Web site (www.komentricities.org).All those who supported the cause are seen as winners, but those receiving recognition for their finish time in the race included:
Female Overall
· First Place: Djuna Osborne of Johnson City, TN
· Second Place: Shannon Tolbert of Bristol, TN
· Third Place: Svetlana Luttrell of Bluff City, TN
Male Overall
· First Place: Eric Vandervort of Clinton, TN
· Second Place: Hank Clabaugh of Kingsport, TN
· Third Place: David Lively of Kingsport, TN
“The community has truly embraced us once again by coming out in record numbers this year, said race chairperson Natalie Whitlock. “It’s wonderful to see the Tri-Cities area coming together to support such a worthwhile cause.”
Seventy-five percent of the money that was raised by the organization will be invested in local breast health education, screening and treatment programs in the 22-county service area in Tennessee, Virginia and North Carolina. The remaining 25 percent of the proceeds will go to the Komen organization’s award and research grant programs around the globe.
As part of a special recognition for breast cancer survivors, the Third Annual Survivor Celebration was held on Friday, October 24 at Memorial Park. More than 300 survivors from around the region gathered to celebrate life while enjoying a good meal and the fellowship of others that share their victory.
“I think it’s great that people care enough to put on such a wonderful event,” said Survival Celebration attendee, Sandra Lowe from Greenville. “It’s been a special event for me because I lost my mom to breast cancer, and now they (the doctors) keep a close eye on me and my daughter.”
Race Results
Race Website
Photos from the Race
