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By Colin Leon Guerrero
Hundreds of local runners and supporters showed up Saturday morning in front of the Outrigger Hotel for the annual Strides For The Cure 5K.
This race is currently going on 12 years strong, and it is one of the bigger 5K events of the year. That is partly due to it not only being a regular 5kK, but a way for people to show support on the fight against cancer.
For race founder Donna Baker, educating people and making sure the community is aware is a priority.
“My husband and I were diagnosed with breast cancer on the weekend of our wedding, and we felt it’s important to educate the people of Guam,” said Baker.
The overall goal for Strides is not only to raise awareness and give back to the community, but also to get physical activity back into the lifestyle for people on Guam.
“Be proactive instead of reactive,” adds Baker who was shocked to see that many people’s lives on Guam are affected by cancer.
Although Baker wishes that in five years no one would have to speak about cancer again, she is humbled by the overwhelming support that the community shows every year since Strides began.
“We need to educate our youth on how to show they’re at risk, because everyone here has been somewhat touched by cancer,” said Baker
The course was from The Plaza to Ypao and back, and is a challenging course for runners because it combines straights with a couple of down and uphill slopes. Plus, the big crowd of participants makes it harder for some runners to break out of the herd and run free, but the cause of the race is way more important than the actual race itself.
“All one hundred percent of the proceeds goes back into the community of Guam specifically into our youth programs,” said Baker who believes that is partly the reason why people keep coming back to strides year after year. “The program gets into more public schools each year, which adds to the number of people coming,” said Baker.
TOP FINISHERS:
Male: John Aquino IV 16:04
Female: Mieko Carey 20:15
Official times and results coming!
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