Just as the walkers started their portion of the race, multiple teams began their parade on the 5K Head for the Cure course. (Photo by Jacob Elyachar)
By: Jacob Elyachar
A dreary morning in Overland Park, Kansas could not stop excited runners and walkers from attending the 2012 Head for the Cure race at Corporate Woods.
As I walked past the parking lot, there were literally dozens of people trying to find their teams and making last-minute preparations to ready themselves for this year’s 5K run/walk No matter if the participants ranged from seven-years-old to 77-years-old, everyone came here with the common goal: to raise money to eradicate brain cancer.
For Anne McArthur, who was part of Lisa’s Legacy, which was dedicated to the memory of Lisa Bart, who passed away from a brain tumor, she shared a common bond with Lisa.
“I actually was diagnosed with breast cancer the same time she had her brain tumor,” said Anne McArthur. “Our kids had lockers right next to each other had their moms losing their hair wore buttons that said: “Cancer sucks!” to school which was cute.”
Several members of the Walking with Neil team posed for a picture while heading to the starting line at the 2012 Head for the Cure 5K race. (Photo by Jacob Elyachar)
Neil, the team captain for Walking with Neil, also had a giant team that was ready to participate in this great cause.
“We have 30 people here that are ready to walk the race just for us.” Neil said. “Our goal was to raise as much money as possible for the studies (to cure brain cancer).”
While the walkers and racers began to line-up to begin the race, U2’s “Beautiful Day,” Head for the Cure’s anthem was blasted on the loud speakers to inspire every single participant, as the countdown to the race’s start time grew closer. After a 15-second countdown, a giant onslaught of runners began to blaze across the starting line followed by the walkers and several teams.
Hundreds of walkers began to walk the 5K course at the 2012 Head for the Cure event. (Photo by Jacob Elyachar)
The first person that made it across the finish line was veteran runner Dale Dexter, who finished his debut race with the Head for the Cure around 15 minutes and shocked everyone with his quick run.
“I like this race because of the size and it is fun to be a part of something so big and everyone is together for it (finding the cure for brain cancer).” Dale said, moments after he finished the race.
Another participant who crossed the finish line early was Jimmy Balough, who crossed the finish line at 17:16. Balough ran this race to support his wife and many of her patients.
“My wife is a nurse at the University of Kansas hospital,” said Jimmy Balough. “She is in the neurosurgical ICU, so she has a lot of patients with brain tumors and brain cancer.”
According to Head for the Cure director Matt Anthony, when the race started back in October 2003, they had 275 people participate in it and now for its tenth edition, there were 4,700 registered runners and walkers and 300 volunteers at the event.
The Head for the Cure foundation was started after Matt’s brother, Chris, passed away from a long and hard-fought battle with a giloblastoma multiforme brain tumor on February 10, 2003.
“Chris would not be surprised with the intensity of the crowd,” said Matt Anthony. “He always believed that if he could help one person with brain cancer, he could help out more people. I think he would be in awe and he would not be surprised but he would be thrilled and very proud.”
To see the pictures from the event, visit my Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.305396072891153.64096.113130415451054&type=3
To learn more about the Head for the Cure Foundation, visit their website: http://www.headforthecure.org/
