Race Recap: 2016 DC Komen 5K Race for the Cure

This past Saturday, I ran my fifth Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5K, the race dedicated to fighting breast cancer. As always, the experience was amazing. Estimates place the total field at about 15,000 people, which is just incredible for a 5K. People from all walks of life participate in this event, and the proceeds go to a great cause.

The start of the 2016 DC Komen 5K Race for the Cure

For me, this is a race of remembrance and a chance to make a small contribution to cancer research. When I participate in this race, I remember my mother, who I lost to an unrelated form of cancer, which she struggled with for a long time. A few springs back, I lost her just a couple of weeks before the Komen 5K.

This race is filled with great people

I say all of this to emphasize that, sometimes, it’s best to approach races like this without the usual goals of setting a PR or winning an award. Instead, it can be a great experience simply to enjoy the course—the Komen DC route is particularly beautiful—and knowing that your effort is supporting a cause that benefits thousands of people.

I ran well on Saturday. The course is flat and fast, and if you are looking for a 5K PR, this is a good race for that, particularly if the weather cooperates (Saturday morning was quite beautiful—partly sunny and in the 50s).

A view of the Jefferson Memorial

Joseph P. Fisher insisted on this duck picture

The field tends to be more relaxed and recreational, but there are always a few very competitive runners who participate in the race. Again, I have run this race five times, and I have been fortunate enough to win it three times. No matter how I perform, though, I always enjoy the opportunity to run strong with some local runners.

Congratulations to all the runners and walkers of the 2016 Susan G. Komen race. It was great to be out there with all of you.

Remember, run steady, and run strong.

Wilson