HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — A crowd of over 6,000 plus runners joined together for North Alabama's largest 5K in celebration of Huntsville Hospital Foundation's 20th annual Liz Hurley Ribbon Run 5k and Survivors' Walk. This event is all in support of breast cancer awareness and prevention.
5K participant Chris Toney said he is running because he believes it is important to raise awareness. "Well, what inspired me to take part in this 5K run today was my grandmother," he said. "She was diagnosed with breast cancer. I think it's super-important, coming from Black, African-American decent, to go to your doctor and get your screening."
And there couldn't have been better weather for the occasion. "Out here on a Saturday morning, everyone is just lovely. The atmosphere is amazing! What better way to get your your day started with a healthy run?," Toney continued.
Johnathan Smith agreed, explaining that his situation is similar to Toney. "Chris is family to me. So what his grandmother went through, I have family on my side that went through. My mom actually had breast cancer, but she beat it," he said.
Huntsville Hospital said the Liz Hurley Ribbon Run is a key fundraiser for Huntsville Hospital Foundation's Liz Hurley Breast Cancer Fund. Over the course of 20 years, HHF has provided $6.6 million to fund almost all of the diagnostic equipment that is used to detect cancer earlier and more accurately at the not-for-profit Huntsville Hospital and Madison Hospital Breast Centers.
First time attendee Tina Pizitz and her family say they could not be any happier witnessing such a touching experience. "Oh, I was in tears. We were all crying. There was a little boy up there with a sign that said, 'You Did It, Memaw,' and it was just... oh, it was awesome," she said.
The day did not end there. Live music was also on site pushing participants to the beat of the drum as they approached the end of the finish line.
We also caught up with Athens High School student Matthew Brooks, who shared what encouraged him to press to the finish line. "It was such a big group. Everybody was very, very encouraged to do it. I ran past few people and I heard them talking to themselves. They were just like, encouraging themselves, and a few people even talked to each other. It was very encouraging and inspiring."
On the other hand, Huntsville resident Tate Gooch used a little bit of a different approach to press his way through. "I just kind of went after the Forrest Gump technique. I just keep running and, whatever happens, happens."