Petersburg: Cancer doesn't stop for bad weather, neither did inaugural 5K, view gallery
PETERSBURG — The inaugural Cancer Awareness 5K Run and Walk spearheaded by Trials of Color took place last Saturday. It pretty much rained and drizzled the entire time, but participants still had a blast. I emceed the event and had a tent to stand under, however, I opted to get soggy to capture scenes so loyal subscribers may view a gallery at progress-index.com.
"You might think fun and rain don't mix, but let me tell you, we've never had more fun dancing in the rain," Sharon Rivera-Sanchez, Trials of Color founder said. "The laughter, the splashing puddles and rain-soaked selfies added to the unforgettable experience and turned what could have been seen as gloomy into a day filled with joy, unity and hope."
Over 50 people registered to participate in the fight against cancer. Some of the 38 people of all ages who braved the weather were walk-ups. The 5K started and ended at Petersburg High School. Volunteers, scheduled and unscheduled, worked together as a team during the soggy adventure. Umbrellas, raincoats, hats and shoe condoms were utilized during the 3.1-mile, wet adventure.
"Our message was clear, cancer doesn't stop for bad weather and neither do we," Rivera-Sanchez said. "We walked to remind everyone that our fight against cancer continues, come rain or shine. Each step we took was a step closer to awareness, a step closer to hope, and a step closer to victory against this disease that affects so many."
Stephen Reverski, 19, of Midlothian crossed the finish line first. His time 22:40.44 was provided by Reed Sowder with Commonwealth Timing. Race results can be found at commonwealthtiming.net.
During the 5K, the Petersburg Marching Band made a special appearance and Rivera-Sanchez and her supporters moved and grooved. After the final participant, Rivera-Sanchez's grandson Jordan Rivera, 8, of Glen Allen, arrived, those who still had energy to spare danced in sync to the Cupid Shuffle.
"A huge thank you to everyone who braved the weather and joined us. Your resilience and positive energy were truly the sunshine of the day," Rivera-Sanchez said. "You've shown that together, we can weather any storm and make a difference in the fight against cancer."
Visit trialsofcolor.net or follow Trials of Color on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram to learn more about the organization with the mission to end the disparities in cancer communities through education, advocacy and booths on the ground.
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Kristi K. Higgins aka The Social Butterfly, an award-winning columnist, is the trending topics and food Q&A reporter at The Progress-Index voted the 2022 Tri-Cities Best of the Best Social Media Personality. Have a news tip on local trends or businesses? Contact Kristi (she, her) at khiggins@progress-index.com, follow @KHiggins_PI on X and @socialbutterflykristi on Instagram.
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This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Petersburg: Inaugural Cancer Awareness 5K soggy success, view gallery
