TOLEDO, Ohio — EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above is from June, when both races were planned to take place in person.
The Susan G. Komen Findlay Race for the Cure will be virtual in 2021, after initially planning to be back in person.
Susan G. Komen Northwest Ohio made the announcement on Monday.
"It is with mixed emotion that we announce that the 2021 Susan G. Komen Findlay Race for the Cure will be moving to a virtual format. After consulting with our presenting Sponsors Marathon and Blanchard Valley Health System, the current spike in Hancock County COVID cases requires that we take every precaution to ensure the safety of all breast cancer survivors, race participants, spectators, sponsors, and volunteers," organizers said in a press release.
A virtual kick-off ceremony on Saturday, September 25 at 9 a.m.
The Toledo event, however, will move forward in person as the downtown venue for that race is larger, allowing for greater social distancing. Also, the Toledo race is not staged on a health care campus.
With these changes in mind, here are some things to know:
- T-shirt pick-up will still be held on Thursday, Sept. 23 and Fri. Sept. 24 from 2 - 6 p.m. at Dave’s Running on Tiffin Ave. in Findlay
- Survivor bag items are due to City Apparel by Friday, Sept. 17. The bags will be given to survivors when they pick up their T-shirts.
"Please know this has been a difficult decision to accept, and the Komen leadership is making every effort to ensure that the Findlay market will be poised to re-launch as an in-person event in 2022, organizers said.
In 2020, both races had to be held virtually due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Organizers are excited for the community to come together again in Toledo this year.
"We're so lucky at Komen in Northwest Ohio to hear these stories of their survivors and their families and loved ones open up to us. And every single breast cancer journey is different," said Gretchen Awad, community relations and development director of Susan G. Komen Northwest Ohio. "And, we learn from each and every one of our community members. So to have them come gather in person and have them be able to gather in person together and share their stories amongst each other is so important."
For those who prefer, there will continue to be a virtual option in 2021.
The Findlay and Toledo Race for the Cure events provide year-round funding for women and men who need breast cancer screenings, breast cancer treatments, childcare and transportation for patients, breast health education, advocacy, and so much more.
"Komen takes a multi-tiered approach. We want to make sure our community has the resources they need and that includes our survivors and breast cancer patients who help care for them. We want to make sure that we're taking action, that they have the resources they need as far as mammograms and medical treatments and other barriers to care, like transportation and childcare costs. We want to make sure we are advocating for our patients' rights at the local, state, and federal level," said Awad. "We want to make sure we are always funding breakthrough research to find the cures."
Registration is open now at the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure website.
You can also email nwohioraceinfo@komen.org or gawad@komen.org or call 567-200-2327 to register.
Registration fees are $35 for adults and $20 for participants under 18.
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