Komen Columbus Race for the Cure draws roughly 10,000, on track to raise $1 million

Jack Nimesheim, The Columbus Dispatch
Updated ·2 min read
Breast cancer survivors cheer as they make their way in a survivors procession before the start of the 2023 Komen Columbus Race for the Cure.
Breast cancer survivors cheer as they make their way in a survivors procession before the start of the 2023 Komen Columbus Race for the Cure.

If summer is nearing, Saturday morning didn't show it, with a steady rain that persisted until around 8:30.

But what's a drizzle to a breast cancer survivor?

"If you've been through chemotherapy, rain is nothing," said Columbus native Lydia Kemerling Back.

More: Devonshire Elementary students providing cards, support at Komen breast cancer race Saturday

Kemerling Back, 62, is a 24-year survivor. Sporting new glittered pink shoes, she — and about 10,000 others —persisted through the unfavorable conditions at this year's Komen Columbus Race for the Cure at Downtown's North Bank Park.

The annual event centers around a 5K run/walk, but for racers, crossing the finish line is a goal that comes second to pushing for the end of breast cancer. About 7,500 of those in attendance took part in the race, event organizers estimated.

Founded in 1982, the Susan G. Komen organization hosts more than 50 races throughout the country. Michael Collins, who co-founded the Columbus race, told The Dispatch that 749 people participated and $54,000 was raised in the event's first year, 1993.

This year, the event is on track to raise roughly $1 million through registration fees, participant fundraising and sponsorship. About $825,000 had been raised by early afternoon Saturday. Fundraising continues through June 18. That money goes to breast cancer research, patient services, advocacy resources and community-building.

Breast cancer survivor Lydia Kemerling Back dances in the rain to Bruno Mars while her husband Johnny Back holds an umbrella over her head before the start of the 2023 Komen Columbus Race for the Cure.
Breast cancer survivor Lydia Kemerling Back dances in the rain to Bruno Mars while her husband Johnny Back holds an umbrella over her head before the start of the 2023 Komen Columbus Race for the Cure.

Participation has dropped steeply from more than 20,000 who showed up before COVID pandemic. However, this year's count was an uptick from 2022.

For some, Saturday's race was a call for celebration. That was certainly the case for Kemerling Back, who asked an event DJ to play a Bruno Mars song so she could dance in the rain before the race.

Breast cancer survivor Amy Callahan receives a hug from friend Pam Riggs at the end of the 2023 Komen Columbus Race for the Cure. Callahan has been cancer free for 1½ years.
Breast cancer survivor Amy Callahan receives a hug from friend Pam Riggs at the end of the 2023 Komen Columbus Race for the Cure. Callahan has been cancer free for 1½ years.

For others, like Michelle Butler, Saturday was more than just race day. It also marked the day Butler, 50, became a 10-year breast cancer survivor. She is grateful but can't help thinking about those less fortunate. That's why she chooses to run alone.

"It gives me time to reflect, and to think about what other people are going through, and what I went through," she said. "It's just really hard. Today, I woke up excited because it's my 10-year anniversary, but I'm so sad because people have died."

JNimesheim@dispatch.com

@JackNimesheim

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Despite rain, Race for the Cure draws thousands