Another record turnout Saturday for the 22nd Liz Hurley Ribbon Run 5K helped push the total raised to help fight breast cancer to more than $8 million.
More than 6,500 runners, walkers, joggers and strollers and other “breast friends” enjoyed the three-mile route through downtown and Old Huntsville. They were out there for the ta-tas, decked out in wild shades of pink — neon, soft, light, bright. Many wore the white Ribbon Run shirts with the cool Julia Donovan design. A smiling, laughing, fun army trundled along the route to support research, in honor or memory of someone, or as a survivor.
The Ribbon Run is one of the biggest events in Huntsville, even larger than the annual Rocket City Marathon (and its four other weekend events). Every Ribbon Run registration, donation, team contribution or assistance helps the Huntsville Hospital Breast Center and those who need treatment.
More than $8 million has been raised since Hurley established the Liz Hurley Breast Cancer Fund at Huntsville Hospital in 1999. Hurley told the crowd Saturday morning before the start that this year’s proceeds will help with new AI upgrades that will further help medical professionals assist those in need.
A Race, Too
While the focus of the Ribbon Run 5K and golf tournament is to raise money for cancer treatment, it still is an official race. No money for winning, of course, but with such a solid route it attracts a top field.
Erick Kigen of Huntsville took top honors with his 16:45. Kelsey Hodges of Huntsville took the top women’s honors with an 18:32 finish. She was seventh overall and
Of the 6,500 (or more) who registered, the official results show 4,644 finishers. That’s a few dozen fewer than last year. The race, route and timing is facilitated by the Huntsville Track Club. Sponsors this year included CFD Research, Torch Technologies, Clearview Cancer Institute, Polaris and Redstone Federal Credit Union.
See all of the Ribbon Run 5K results here, and age group winners here.
Also see the top individual fundraisers here and team fundraisers here. Winning the 5K is nice, but winning in the fight against breast cancer is better.
