The rain that started late Friday night and carried into Saturday morning did not stop thousands of people from coming out for a charity event.
Lane Avenue was filled with men, women, children, college students, middle-agers and senior citizens, all who were there for a 5K run/walk. The Komen Columbus Race for the Cure raised money for breast cancer research and initiatives. Some participants were breast cancer survivors and wore pink shirts demonstrating their achievements. Others ran in honor of someone fighting breast cancer or sadly died. The runners had pink papers safety-pinned to the back of their T-shirts stating the name of their friend, relative, teacher or co-worker. Still, thousands more ran with no specific person in mind, but rather instead just to be a part of the cause.
As the rain continued to pour, volunteers counted down the start of the race and others clicked on the timers. Music blared all around the course, which wound around the Ohio State campus. Among the musical guests was the OSU Marching Band. Despite the weather, about 20 members of TBDBITL set up with their instruments and played some of the marching band’s greatest hits.
The 2004 Race for the Cure was a time where all of Columbus showed its dedication to finding a cure for the hundreds of thousands of people in the United States who have suffered from breast cancer. And they did it by pushing weather issues aside. Even those who registered days in advance showed up to show their support. The $25 registration fee had already been given to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, but people still wanted to be there to participate and strengthen the sign of their support.
So many were needed to make the race a success including police, firemen, OSU, all the runners and walkers, the various sponsors, the survivors, volunteers and those who headed the efforts. The signs of dedication and excitement surrounding the event made it seem as if it was a 70-degree day with the sun shining brightly. Congratulations on the success, Columbus.
