Texarkana Gazette

Race for the Cure is Saturday

- By Ashley Gardner

Event begins at 8:30 a.m.

Race for the Cure takes place at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Four States Fairground­s, with opening ceremonies kicking off at 8:30 a.m.

Thousands of runners and walkers are expected to participat­e.

“We’re expecting about 5,000 people, about the same number as we had last year, so it’s going to be a good race,” said Brittanie Stone, race co-chairwoman.

Race organizers advise arriving early because parking is limited at the fairground­s.

“I would definitely get there early. That way, they can enjoy all the things we offer there. They can make their way around, and they won’t feel rushed,” Stone said.

Some parking is available at the fairground­s, and park-andride services will be available from Trinity Baptist Church, Razorback Stadium, Mount Grove Baptist Church and Jefferson Market Center.

For Stone, the heart of event is the survivors.

“The highlight for me is watching that sea of survivors … decked out in solid pink go walk the race. I also look forward to the closing ceremonies. Seeing all those survivors and the those still fighting breast cancer reminds you it’s worth all the time and energy you put into it,” Stone said.

The majority of the funds raised by Race for the Cure stay in the area to provide mammograms and breast cancer education.

Race day schedule 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.: late registrati­on and packet pickup 7 a.m. to 8:15 a.m.: survivor/ VIP breakfast 7 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.: team pictures 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

Race informatio­n

Two water stations will be available during the race, at the 2-mile mark and at Mount Grove Baptist Church.

In honor of/memory bibs can be picked up at the registrati­on and informatio­n tents. A limited number of safety pins will be available on race morning, so participan­ts may 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 he Cure. One dog may be registered with an adult participan­t for $10. Proof of rabies vaccinatio­ns must be provided, and a release must be signed by an 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 children’s area near the Gleboff Building. Activities for children 12 and younger include face-painting, games, slides and visits from area mascots.

 ?? Staff file photo by Jerry Habraken ?? Participan­ts in the 2016 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure flood the raceway Oct. 15, 2016, as they make their way out of the Four States Fairground­s in Texarkana, Ark. This year’s event is Saturday.
Staff file photo by Jerry Habraken Participan­ts in the 2016 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure flood the raceway Oct. 15, 2016, as they make their way out of the Four States Fairground­s in Texarkana, Ark. This year’s event is Saturday.

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