Race for the Cure NO Race Report

A huge crowd of people, more than 6,000 souls, gathered in the Roosevelt Mall at the City Park in New Orleans to participate in this year edition of The Race for the Cure on Sunday, October the First. There was a party atmosphere with plenty of food and information available for the participants in the event. There was all sorts of free stuff, including shoelaces, food, bandanas, beverages, caps, backpacks, and more. This race raises money for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and helps create awareness about this disease. The Race for a Cure helps women learn about the importance of knowing about the fight against breast cancer. It also celebrates the survivors and honors the courageous women who have lost their battle with cancer.

Chad Callais won the 5K run in 16:18. Callais along with Ryan Gallagher and Chad Campbell stayed close together throughout much of the race, with Callais pulling away in the last half mile. Gallagher finished second in 16:24 while Campbell finished 12 second behind for third. In the women's race, Santilla Victorian took fist place in 19:10. Second place went to Allison Moll (19:10) and third to Kelly Nicholas (20:16). Pine Belt Pacer Kily Garcia finished a couple of minutes later to place 103th overall and claim the victory in the PBP category.

I competed in the 5K walk where I lead the group throughout much of the first 4.7K. Three hundreds yards before the finish line I was passed by a local race walker, Steve Attaya, who claimed the victory finishing in 32:40. I completed the distance 8 seconds behind Steve for second place overall. There were so many people in the event that they kept passing and passing through the finish line for another hour or so. The New Orleans Track Club organized and directed the race. Results can be checked on their web site.
© Pijume Diwesi