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By Colin Leon Guerrero

Strides for the Cure 5k participants line up at the starting line in downtown Tumon. (photo by Jesse Castro)

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.

McDonald’s Top Runner of the Race John Aquino, first male in for the 5k. (photo by Jesse Castro)

McDonald’s Top Runner of the Race Meiko Carey, first female in for the 5k. (photo by Jesse Castro)

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!

STRIDES 5K GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Hundreds of participants for the Strides for the Cure 5k and 2k run/ walk gather in front of Outrigger, Tumon to register and prepare. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Leading the 5k run are the Ladies of Harley members from left, Lukiana Sebay, Annie Caseres and Dialma Carcagena. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Before the Strides for the Cure run/ walk began, members of the Inetnon Gefpa’go bless the event with a traditional Chamorro chant. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Strides for the Cure 5k runners take off down Pale San Vitores Road and head towards the Guam Visitors Bureau for the turnaround point. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Participants in the Stride for the Cure 2k run begin their trek shortly after the 5k runners departed. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Strides for the Cure 2k participants begin their run/ walk up Pale San Vitores Road. (photo by Jesse Castro)

First male finisher for Strides for the Cure 5k was John Aquino. (photo by Jesse Castro)

First female finisher for Strides for the Cure 5k was Meiko Carey. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Second male finisher for Strides for the Cure 5k was Chalie Epperson. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Second female finisher Marie Benito for Strides for the Cure 5k (photo by Jesse Castro)

Third male finisher for Strides for the Cure 5k was Derek Mandell. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Third female finisher for Strides for the Cure 5k. (photo by Jesse Castro)

First in was Strides for the Cure 2k participant 239. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Second to finish was Strides for the Cure 2k participant 908. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Third finisher in Strides for the Cure 2k was 1403. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Strides for the Cure 2k participants head into the finish line. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Strides for the Cure 2k 272 leads other runners towards the finish line. (photo by Jesse Castro)

After completing their run participants head over to pick up some cool gear. (photo by Jesse Castro)

Volunteers hand out water to the finishing runners as they exit the chutes. (photo by Jesse Castro)

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