Lake County Relay for Life changes up annual event, hosts ‘Race to End Cancer’ runs
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PABLO – As Brenda Metzger stretched her muscles and prepared for a 5K run on Saturday morning, she was thinking of her mother who died of lung cancer several years ago.
Metzger was one of roughly 30 runners/walkers participating in the inaugural Race to End Cancer 5K and Mile Race, which took place in front of the Salish Kootenai College in Pablo.
Metzger, who walked the 5K in memory of her mother, was joined by Monica Christ who was walking in honor of her grandmother who had died from colon cancer.
“Just to be out walking and staying active,” said Christ, was another motivating factor for her participation. Relay for Life of Lake County changed up their annual event by hosting the race.
After a brief pre-race meeting, walkers and runners followed the scenic course south on the bike/walking paths along Highway 93 until they reached the old highway junction where they circled back and crossed over the walking bridge to return to SKC.
As runners made their way to the finish line, they raced between more than 300 luminaria placed along the last section of the course to honor and support those who are fighting or who have battled cancer.
Runners didn’t receive an official time in the non-competitive race and many participants, such as Arlinda Steffes, were content to walk most of the way.
Steffes, a six-year cancer survivor herself, along with her husband Dave, walked in support of the Lake County Relay for Life.
“We have been doing this for many, many, many years. It’s a great cause to support,” said Steffes.
Lake County’s Relay for Life has been a fundraising event for the American Cancer Society for many years but this was the first time a one-mile fun run/walk and 5K races were held.
“We thought we would change things up this year,” said co-chairwoman Caitlyn Rose. “We had a good turn out.”
After the race, hungry race participants and guests were treated to a pig roast with all the fixings.
Along with the race, a cake and gift basket fundraising auction were held to benefit American Cancer Society research programs and cancer patient support efforts.
The longstanding Luminaria Walk, to honor those who have lived beyond cancer and to remember those who lost their lives to the battle, concluded the event.
For more information about the Lake County Montana Race to End Cancer event or to donate, please visit www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/lake-county-race-to-end-cancer or check out their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/LakeCountyMTRelayforLife.
