One of my favorite parts of participating in community races is a chance to support some great causes. Many of the 5K’s that runners talk about are actually fundraisers for all kinds of charities and non-profits.
You can easily run a Saturday morning 5K and by lunch you have helped raise money for a great cause, surrounded yourself with positive people AND got in a solid workout.
In my book that is a win-win-win.
This past weekend I had a chance to run in a 5K to support breast cancer awareness and raise money for “Ladies Night Out” which provides mammograms to low-income women in Western North Carolina. October is breast cancer awareness month and so many people I know have been impacted by this terrible disease. We need to find a CURE.
My friend and coworker Holly came with me!
The 5K was described as an “event” not a “race.” There were lots of walkers but they welcomed runners to run it like a race as well. A couple dozen runners lined up at the start, but it looked like most people were walking the course in teams or groups supporting a loved one who has cancer.
A lot of folks dressed the part in plenty of pink.
LOVE these ladies outfits.
And a dachsi in pink. The little guy would not hold still for a picture.
The 5K was held at Biltmore Park. The whole area was decked out in pink EVERYTHING…
They held a thorough warm up before the 5K which was fun and entertaining.
I promised Holly I would run with her and pace her to try to run a faster 5K. She has been running consistently lately and she felt like she was a stronger runner than her last race. We decided ahead of time to aim for 31:00 – 32:00 minutes. The course was not timed or competitive, but she still wanted to try her best.
We took two large laps around the very very hilly Biltmore Park neighborhood. It was a tough course and those hills almost got me again! I live in the mountains, so you would think I would be used to it, but I try to do most of my running on flatter loops in town. My ankles hate hills.
Since the course looped, there was less ground for spectators to cover and I was surprised at how many people were at each street corner to cheer people on. They also had lots of people ready to hand out water. Very nice! The course was really a lot of fun and had a great energy.
After our 2 big loops we picked up the pace for the last tenth of a mile to reach the finish line! 31:38. Not bad and a new PR for Holly. The course was even a little long.
We finished, found some water and watched some great finish line moments.
We saw strollers, kids and dogs crossing the finish line. I even spotted 2 HUGE dogs that I think were mastiffs while I was running. I really wanted to stop and pet them but I wanted to finish the 5K more 
The Pink in the Park 5K was a fantastic low-key way to start the weekend. Holly and I had a wonderful time. We really enjoyed this event and helping to raise $9,000 for Ladies Night Out! One of those free mammograms could easily save a life.
AND…. Curious about the outfit?
Running Skirt w/ pleats and pink stitching– Athleta (Birthday gift last year from my Mother in law- THANK YOU!)
Pink Running Tank – Avia (Marshalls)
Headband – J Crew (Outlet)
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QUESTIONS:
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE 5K CAUSE TO SUPPORT?
DO YOU KNOW ANYONE IMPACTED BY BREAST CANCER?
HAVE YOU EVER HELPED A FRIEND REACH A PR?
Dan Steadman says
Each year, I do the Palmetto Hearts 5k here in the Upstate to benefit families of children born with Congenial Heart defects. One of my sons good friends and my wife's best girlfriend's son (same kid) has had two open heart surgeries and he's 9, so I run for him and have his name on my race bib...on friend I helped reach a PR was my college team mate I pushed along, one race (she PRed) I pushed her a good bit since our race was done...
JulieWunder says
Sounds like a nice race! What a wonderful and personal cause.
Dan Steadman says
2014 race is 2/15/14 on the campus of Furman University...come on down
Steve Riedesel says
These are great pics for a great cause, Julie. I've met Holly, but I've not yet got to meet you in person. Years ago, I did see you at a Tourists baseball game with some friends one time. Hope there'll be an opportunity to meet and chat with you sometime down the road. 🙂
My Gator son rides his bicycle whenever he can. He ran when he was younger, but not so much these days, I don't believe. I never did run, even when I could, but I walk a lot and work out and swim at the Y. (In fact, I just came back from there.)
There is a man who works out in the pool. He's pushing 80 and had a recent hip replacement, but still runs. He's doing a 3 or 5 K in Black Mountain this weekend.
It is great to support great causes at the same time. My wife and I contributed to a Walk "n Roll for Spina Bifida which was held in Charlotte this past weekend. I have walked for this event previously. And I've contributed to other causes that friends were running or walking before.
Have a great day and week. Love you. Take care.
Steve