The crowd for Saturday's race, according to the Charlotte Observer, was over 24,000. The Komen website listed less than 14,000 registered to run, the remainder were there to support and cheer for others or to volunteer their time to promote the event.
I have participated in this race in previous years (2008-2011) and opted out for 2012 due to the controversy surrounding Planned Parenthood and the executives' of Komen's resignation over the same issues. I am still uncertain of the organizations overall integrity but I do know, from personal acquaintance, the organization offers substantial help to women diagnosed with breast cancer - at any stage or any diagnosis (terminal or non-terminal). I ran in honor of a survivor (now deceased, lived 30 years after recovery) and a current warrior (her diagnosis is terminal at present).
I mention this because it became very apparent that I was not alone in this mindset. Many major vendors were NOT present this year that had been present in prior years (Yoplait, Edy's Ice Cream, Starbucks, UPS, etc). Their absence was noticed and as such, other than a large crowd, the event was not as fun as in year's past. The vendors that did support were overwhelmed by the crowd and ran out of many promotions long before the race ended.
My running buddy and I were both part of a team - Williams Warriors (in honor of Carolina Panther DiAngelo Williams and his mother / aunts who have been diagnosed with breast cancer) - and again, I was sorely disappointed as compared to years past. Fundraisers are promised a "jersey" if they reach a certain $ goal. I have two jerseys from previous years. This year's (and apparently last year's as well) shirt was just a t-shirt with DiAngelo's number and autograph on the back.
Yes, I vented to race organizers about the wording... "don't promise a jersery and deliver a t-shirt" and pointed out that it simply added to the stigma now attached to Komen regarding use of funds and the profitability that seems to overtake the cause nowadays. The organization had a tremendous amount of "for sale" items on the field of Marshall Park and a rather small designated area for survivors (as compared to previous years).
This organization is still reeling from their choices regarding Planned Parenthood and other issues within the corporation. Kudos to the executives that took a stand and held their ground. Komen has had to cancel events in some cities due to 'not enough funding to support the event' which again proves that many still question Komen, even in silence. I don't know a resolution for this - restoring public faith is not easy. I do hope at some point, the organization returns to its foundation.
Back to racing... I ran with a friend - she signed up for the non-competitive, myself for the competitive so we wound up walking the non-compete race at 8 AM at a pace approximately 20 min per mile. No way around it. Crowd was just too large for anything else. We were glad we came, we trust our support is put to good use and we pray for those who suffer, those who love them and the battle that lies before them.
Charlotte Observer article: Click Here
Race Results: Click Here
NOT!! My official time is listed as 1:45:20.41 which means the timing chips we paid for were useless... this time is based on a 7:15 AM start time (for EVERYONE) and is gun time only. Ptttthhhhh... again, it lessens the overall confidence in Komen and their ability to deliver on commitments to the public.
My .02.
GUN TIME: 1:45:20.41
Race Results: Click Here
NOT!! My official time is listed as 1:45:20.41 which means the timing chips we paid for were useless... this time is based on a 7:15 AM start time (for EVERYONE) and is gun time only. Ptttthhhhh... again, it lessens the overall confidence in Komen and their ability to deliver on commitments to the public.
My .02.
GUN TIME: 1:45:20.41