When I first entered Race for Life with some of my friends, I
did not anticipate encountering such a variety of emotions. I agreed to run 5km
as I knew it would be far easier than the 10km I ran last year for charity and
it was something to train towards. I readily admit that because of this, I did
not train as thoroughly as I had done the previous year but I took it all
seriously nonetheless.
So on Sunday, we walked to the common to be confronted with a
sea of pink of every shade imaginable: t-shirts, hats, costumes, all in pink. Another
overwhelming factor was seeing a crowd consisting of mainly women, both young
and old alike. I felt quite proud of my fellow womenfolk and that so many of us
had managed to raise some money towards Cancer Research.
As time wore on, adrenaline started to creep up and everyone was
raring to walk, jog or run around the course in the blazing sunshine. I plug my
iShuffle on and started to jog around the course thinking I would just zone out
for the duration of the run. However, I instead was staring at people’s backs
and reading who they had dedicated the race to – mothers, fathers, sisters,
brothers, grandparents, children, friends, they were all listed. Everyone
running had been indirectly or directly affected by cancer. I could not believe
the extended grasp that cancer has on us. A horrible disease that is innate in
us all in varying degrees that can suddenly activate for no real reason. It
saddened me to realise this but at the same time, I was consoled that so many
people are helping to find a cure or at least lessen the risk of anyone dying
from cancer.
I was also so touched by everyone watching and cheering us on.
There was an element of satisfaction too: it was a bunch of women running this
race and all the gents had to be the spectators.
I finished the race in a good time, which was pleasing but seemed
inconsequential considering all the dedications I had read on my route.
Needless to say at the finish line my face was a rosy shade of
pink – a fitting tribute I think.
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