Over 1,000 Participate in Second Annual DE-feet Breast Cancer 5K
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Caitlin Dalik, Public Affairs Coordinator |
REHOBOTH BEACH, DE (May 27, 2011)—This past Sunday, May 22, over 1,100 people representing eight states came to the Tanger Outlets in Rehoboth for the Second Annual DE-feet Breast Cancer 5K Run/Walk. This event, hosted by the Tanger Outlet Center and produced by Seashore Strider Event Productions, Inc., raised more than $58,000, which will benefit the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition and its programs and services in Delaware and the surrounding communities. Last year’s inaugural Run/Walk had 568 registered participants who represented six states, setting a 20-year record for first-time events produced by Seashore Strider.
“When we initiated the event, we had no idea that this Run/Walk would bring so much support for the breast cancer cause,” said Vicky Cooke, DBCC Executive Director. “And this is not just a race in Sussex County. There were participants from eight states; there were men, women and children of all ages at this event. It was great to see such a diverse group and we hope to continue to grow this event each year.”
Race Director Tim Bamforth reported that this event was the largest second year Run/Walk produced by Seashore Strider in 21 years. Seashore Strider, a community-focused organization, based in the Rehoboth/Lewes area, hosts 50 race events annually. “It is amazing how many people come out for this event and how the community pulls together for this cause,” said Bamforth.” It is very evident by the number of participants that cancer has touched so many people.”
The family event was open to participants of all ages and abilities. The event included a 5K timed race, a 5K untimed walk and a 1-Mile Fun Walk. There was also a “Sleepwalker” category for those who couldn’t attend the event but still wanted to be supportive and fundraise.
Mike Sewell (age 41) of Newark, DE was first to cross the finish line for the 5K race (3.1 miles) with a time of 18:15 (5.52/M); Jay Taylor (age 42) of Rehoboth Beach, DE finished second in 19:19 (6:13/M); and Justin Steele (age 23) of Salisbury, MD was third with a time of 19:25 (6:15/M).
Meanwhile, there was a sea of pink walkers who participated in the 5K walk that followed the Junction and Breakwater Trail in Cape Henlopen State Park. Some participants made custom t-shirts to remember or honor those who have been impacted by breast cancer.
Awards were presented to the overall champions and the top three finishers in each age category. DBCC also presented awards to the top fundraisers (team & individual), largest team, team spirit, and the best costume.
Breast cancer survivor Selena Fry of Milford walked again this year because she knows it is important to survivors. “The walk has a special meaning to me and I walk proudly with other breast cancer survivors,” she said. “Most everyone has been affected by breast cancer in some way or another.”
DBCC Executive Director agrees that the event has a special meaning. “The reason for the Run/Walk is to remember those who have lost their battle, support those who are in their journey and celebrate the survivorship of those who have won their battle,” Cooke said.
For more information about the DE-feet Breast Cancer Run/Walk, please visit www.defeetbreastcancerwalk.org. For additional photos of the event, please visit www.flickr.com/dbcc.
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