Early registration encouraged for Race to Beat Breast Cancer

Harrisonburg’s Parks and Recreation Department will host their annual Race to Beat Breast Cancer 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, Oct. 19, in Westover Park. The event regularly draws hundreds together in friendship and support as the community unites as one against breast cancer, and organizers are expecting the biggest crowd ever this year.

Parks and Recreation staff encourage participants to register by this Friday, Oct. 4, to be guaranteed an event t-shirt.

“We want everyone to register now for the 17th annual Race to Beat Breast Cancer,” said Janet Wendelken, with the RMH Foundation, Sentara RMH Medical Center. “When you do, you will help us make history with the race. You will be part of the expected 1,000 registrations (and) the race will be the largest pink event in Harrisonburg’s history. Come join us and wear pink!”

All proceeds from the race stay local and benefit the RMH Foundation for Breast Care and Treatment.

“All funds raised at the race stay in our community to pay for mammogram screenings for local women who cannot afford them at the Sentara RMH Funkhouser Women’s Center,” Wendelken explained. “The race is a reminder that all women should get screened.”

The race is presented by event sponsors Dick Myers Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Fiat and F&M Bank, along with other community sponsors who support the cause.

“With the addition of a virtual race option, tremendous support from our community up and down the valley, and our generous sponsors, we are already ahead of last year’s registration pace,” said Erik Dart, athletics and special events manager for Harrisonburg Parks and Recreation. “We’re excited to see how our community comes together this year to support such a worthy cause.”

The event will be held in Westover Park on Saturday, Oct. 19. The Cecil F. Gilkerson Community Activities Center will be open at 7 a.m. for last-minute registrants, introductions and cancer survivor testimonials will take place at 8:45 a.m., and the 5K will begin for runners at 9:30 a.m., followed by walkers.

Additional information and registration information is available at www.HarrisonburgVA.gov/Beat-BreastCancer-Race.

For more information about Parks and Recreation, visit our website at www.HarrisonburgVA.gov/ParksRecreation.