Participants put passion into practice on race day
The 19th Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure is slated to take place at 9 a.m. Oct. 21 at the Four States Fairgrounds.
Organizers are expecting about 5,000 participants. Race for the Cure continues to be a very popular event in Texarkana and one of the area’s largest fundraisers.
Support for Race for the Cure stems from a community joining together to work toward a cure for breast cancer.
“There’s a lot of passion behind this event,” said Amber Lawrence, Southwest region director for Komen Arkansas. “I think that’s because you get to witness the survivors, and they all have such a bond. It’s also because we keep it so local and community-oriented. The dollars we’re bringing back are visible in the community.”
Many race participants do so as part of a team, often made up of eight or more co-workers, friends and family members. The benefit of walking or running with a team is that it allows participants to celebrate a survivor or honor someone who’s lost their battle with breast cancer.
Teams aren’t required, but are encouraged. The Komen website has ideas for team fundraisers.
Over the 19 years Race for the Cure has been held in Texarkana, the community’s view and awareness of breast cancer has changed.
“It’s definitely brought awareness and really given individuals a reason to talk about the disease,” Lawrence said.
Registration is available online at komenarkansas.org. A registration booth is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Oct. 17 at Central Mall. Registration will be available from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. the day of the event.
RACE DAY SCHEDULE
7 a.m. to 8 a.m.—late registration and packet pick-up 7 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.—survivor/ breakfast 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.—team pictures 8:15 a.m.—survivor picture 8:30 a.m.—opening ceremonies 9 a.m.—competitive run/ walk 9:30 a.m.—family fun stroll 10:30 a.m.—closing ceremonies
DIRECTIONS:
From I-30, exit at Fairgrounds Parkway, turning south. The Fairgrounds can be entered by UofA Way which will remain open throughout the morning or 50th and 46th Streets (which will be closed from 8:30 to 10:15 a.m. for the race).
From Arkansas Blvd. turn north onto Fairgrounds Parkway at the light. The Fairgrounds can be entered by UofA Way which will remain open throughout the morning or 50th and 46th Streets.
RACE INFORMATION:
Two water stations will be available during the race, at the 2-mile point and at Mount Grove Baptist Church.
In honor of/memory of bibs can be picked up at the registration or information tents. A limited number of safety pins will be available on race morning, so participants might want to bring their own.
Fairgrounds restrooms will be open, and portable toilets will be placed at the fairgrounds and along the race course.
Bicycles and in-line skates are prohibited for safety reasons.
Dogs can participate in Dogs for the Cure. One dog may be registered with an adult participant for $10. Proof of rabies vaccinations must be provided, and a release form must be signed by adult participant. Dogs must be on leashes at all times, and owners must clean up after dogs at the fairgrounds and along the race course. Dogs are not allowed in the competitive run and can only be registered online.
Kids for the Cure activities will take place in the kids area near the Gleboff Building. Activities for children 12 and younger include face-painting, games, slides and visits from area mascots.