Pink back in style as Komen Race for the Cure returns to Downtown Columbus after COVID-19

Leann Johnson got the bad news at Christmas: A routine mammogram revealed she had breast cancer.

She's gone through chemotherapy since then and is scheduled for surgery next week.

She was too weak to participate Saturday in the return of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Downtown Columbus, but she had plenty of people walking and running in her name, sporting pink T-shirts that read Leann's Boob Crew. The shirt included a drawing of a bra along with the cancer awareness sign.

Johnson, a nurse at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist, received hugs from several people before the race began at North Bank Park on what was a tough, yet amazing day, she said.

Susan G. Komen Columbus Race for the Cure: Komen Race for the Cure returning to Downtown Columbus Saturday after three years

"It's emotional right now," said Johnson, 55, of Thornville. "My friends and family are walking for me. It's overwhelming, the love and support I get."

In-person race returns

The race has been held virtually the past two years because of the coronavirus, but Downtown was again awash in a sea of pink with the return of in-person activities.

Walkers and runners wore pink wigs, tutus and hats. Participants shared hugs, a few tears, high-fives and fist bumps with those they hadn't seen in two years.

Lucinda White, 67, a breast cancer survivor, had her fingernails painted pink and wore a curly pink wig. She was happy to see the event return even as she admitted being nervous about the pandemic.

"I'm emotional; I'm hopeful and I'm grateful. It's been great to come and participate," she said.

The motorcycles were back as well, setting up what was called a Thunder Tunnel, where hundreds of bikers throttled up to inspire the walkers and runners.

"We're just supporting the cause," said Steve Ring, a motorcyclist sporting a pink tutu and shirt under his leather jacket. "It's an important thing."

Thousands registered for the Komen Race for the Cure

Though more than 7,000 people were registered for the event, organizers believe about 10,000 people came Downtown.

Organizers says they topped their goal of raising $1 million in what is the 30th year of the race. It is one of the biggest Komen races in the country in terms of participants and fundraising.

The money goes toward research, providing support for patients and engaging in policy initiatives.

"It was very joyous. It was a bit of a celebration, a positive, happy event," race director Alyssa Petrella said. "People are seeing each other that they haven’t seen in two years. There was a lot of built up energy that got to be expressed."

Petrella said the event marks of a bit of a reboot since the race wasn't held the past two years and even though the number of participants was down compared with races before the coronavirus, she was pleased with the turnout.

Susan G. Komen Columbus Race for the Cure: Registration opens for Komen Columbus Race for the Cure back with in-person event May 14

"People are still a little leery of being in large groups," she said. "I'm really happy about how many people came Downtown. It's just a sign of how important this mission and this event are to Columbus."

Melissa Doyle-Wenger, 36, of New Albany, and other family members walked the course in memory of her mother, Rosemary Hardgrove, who lost a seven-year battle to breast cancer in 2018. Other family members have had breast cancer as well.

Doyle-Wenger said her mother always participated in the walk and would finish without any help, regardless of how she was feeling.

"The hardest year was the first year after she died. I think it is great to come out here and do it," Doyle-Wenger said.

The 36-year-old oncology nurse said she has been identified as being at high risk for cancer, so she has been proactive about protecting herself, given the family history.

"We want to make sure we stay ahead of it," she said.

mawilliams@dispatch.com

@BizMarkWilliams

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Columbus Komen Race for the Cure raises $1M, draws 7K participants