THE ANNUAL SUSAN G. KOMEN RUN/WALK FUNDRAISER will return to the streets of Toledo Sunday, September 25, with something old, something new, and something the same.
Old, as in for the first time since the pre-pandemic year of 2019, the event will be fully in person.
New, as in a name change to Northwest Ohio Race for the Cure. The Komen event in Findlay now is combined with Toledo’s, giving rise to the new name.
Also new is this region’s executive director, Gretchen Awad, who took on the role early this year following more than six years on the local Komen staff in other capacities. “The last two years have been a little challenging, not just for Komen but for everyone,” Awad says. “This year our partners are back in person, our participants are back in person, our volunteers are back in person, and sponsors are back in person. The past two years have been a little wobbly, but this year we are back in person 100 percent. We’re thrilled. All to celebrate what Komen’s mission is all about.”
Komen’s mission remains the same, which, she says, “is to save lives by meeting the most critical needs of our communities and investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer. We have two strategic imperatives: conquer deadly breast cancer to have people live longer, better lives, and ensure people get the quality care they need and deserve.”
She adds, “Our mission has not changed, but how we deliver those services has changed. We have become one network where fundraising helps members in every community. We are an equitable and one Komen.”
Awad explains that money raised at the variety of walks Komen chapters conduct goes into a central fund. “The money is accessible to everyone, from a small rural area to a large metro area. If you need and have challenges to receive equitable health care, Komen steps in, no matter where you live. We need our strongest communities to help every woman and man get help.” She adds that, indeed, men, too, are susceptible to breast cancer.
“This is part of a national trend in which many of the smaller runs/ walks have merged with others to create a larger regional impact for the breast cancer community. Hence the ‘Northwest Ohio’ tag. I am proud our Toledo and Findlay breast cancer communities are combining to represent the Northwest.”
Testimony to the One Komen theme, representatives of the national Komen organization will be in Toledo to support the event. Awad also has been and will be on the road in support. In May she attended the Columbus Race, the week after Northwest Ohio’s she will be in Detroit for the Race there, and in mid-September she will be at the one in Cleveland. “Dollars raised in Cleveland might help folks in Northwest Ohio.”
The mission is supported chiefly in two ways: through donations and through runner/walker registrations. “We hope that people will register because that’s what fuels our mission.”
Sunday, September 25, will go like this: Check-in and registration will begin at 7:00 a.m. at Fifth Third Field; at the same time, activities—all open to the public—begin in Hensville and St. Clair and Washington streets. An expo featuring exhibits and giveaways by corporate sponsors will be on Washington Street. Inside Fifth Third Field will be children’s activities, including the opportunity to run the bases, crafts, face painting, and giveaways.
Also, the Mercy Health mobile mammogram machine will be available for immediate mammogram screenings.
There’ll be activities for breast cancer survivors inside the Hensville park, with giveaways and—a popular annual treat—pink bagels from Barry Bagels.
New this year, Awad says, is a We Remember tent, “a peaceful, serene space where people can lovingly remember those who’ve lost their battle with breast cancer. We want to be respectful to their memories.”
The 5K run and walk, in partnership with Dave’s Running, will begin at 9:30 a.m., with a one-mile walk beginning shortly afterward. The race starts on Summit Street; the route winds through downtown, across the Owens Corning bridge, and onto Washington.
Awad says there’ll be 12 to 15 performing groups, including high school bands and cheerleaders, providing entertainment along the course.
Registration for the race or walk is $35 and can be done on Komen’s website, komen.org/nwohiorace. Volunteers can sign up for free on that website. Also, racers/walkers can register in person at Dave’s Running Shop in Sylvania on Wednesday, September 21 and Thursday, September 22, and at Dave’s Running Shop in Perrysburg on Friday, September 23 or Saturday, September 24.
“My hope for the day,” Awad says, “is that anyone who wants to celebrate registers, brings family and friends, donates, and invites people to join a celebratory day of Komen’s mission. Invite everyone who has been affected or knows someone who has been affected to come join us. This day is for them.” Dennis Bova is a freelance writer and editor. ✲
