Turnagain Arm Women fight breast cancer at ‘Run for Women’ events in Anchorage and Girdwood
By Jon Scudder
TNews Publisher
Pink of all shades will flow with bright clothing, ribbons, flags, balloons, decorations, and fun fabrics galore on June 8 in Anchorage at the University of Alaska Anchorage and in smaller, subdued form in Girdwood.
“The sea of pink is full of women of all ages and abilities, radiating enthusiasm and support,” said Briana Sullivan, Girdwood’s Alaska Run for Women coordinator. “It is certainly exciting to feel a part of this live and significant fundraiser.”
Fighting breast cancer in Alaska has been a historic mission the Alaska Run for Women have been undertaking since beginning in 1993, now celebrating its 32nd year.
Group photo of the start of the Girdwood “Run for Women” event in 2022. (Photo courtesy of Ashley Wade)
The Alaska Run for Women is one of the most visible running events in the state and is also one of the largest all-women runs in the country. The history is rich with strong volunteers, organizing with a board of directors and a race committee that produces a unique sense of camaraderie and sisterhood.
Since 1993, $5.7 million in cash and donated mammograms has been generated by the fundraiser. The mission is to raise money for and awareness of breast cancer and women’s health, and to showcase the talents of Alaska’s women athletes.
This is achieved via the annual women’s run or walk event that is the vehicle for fundraising, participation, awareness and competition, and grant making to organizations concerned with breast cancer research, education, outreach, prevention and early detection.
For those who want the alternative of participating locally, the stress-free meeting with friends and neighbors will be the ‘virtual’ option, occurring in Girdwood. Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities are welcome to and may participate in the local event and many sport back tags honoring a loved one who has survived breast cancer or in memory of those who have not.
“This keeps more community off the highway and still supports the unified mission,” said Sullivan. “In years past, and considering the COVID-19 pandemic, I have organized this as virtual and then in 2022 a group gathered to run or walk together in honor of so many women touched by this cancer. Being together was really special and so close to the heart. Four Valleys has been a great support for the idea and event,” added Sullivan.
She said this year, the Girdwood Fire Department and Girdwood Health Clinic are supporting the Girdwood event. The Girdwood Health Clinic will have information to raise awareness for women’s health. “This is awesome to have the support of our community,” she said. (Briana Sullivan contributed to this story)
Register at https://www.akrfwregistration.org/team/4380
For information, email Beks at BBrumley@fourvalleys.org.
Commit to doing a one to five-mile run or walk on behalf of the many Turnagain Arm women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. This is a fundraiser for breast cancer research, with a route set right here in Girdwood, rain or shine. You will still need to register through the Alaska Run for Women's registration page and click 'virtual event' as we won't be physically joining folks in Anchorage. Next, click 'join an existing team' - the Four Valley Community School’s team name is GIRDWOOD'S BREAST INTENTIONS.