By Sprint for Life is one of those races that has always been on my list, but then something else comes up. In fact, my dad has done it every year and I haven’t! This year, my dad was out of town so we were flip flopped.
While this race had been on my radar for awhile, I was reminded of it while at MD Anderson for my annual skin screening (this is my PSA for y’all to go get one done – skin cancer is no joke). Sprint for Life is hosted by MD Anderson’s Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine and this year was its 20th anniversary. According to MD Anderson:
This year, about 21,290 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer and about 14,180 women will die, making ovarian cancer the leading cause of death from gynecologic cancers.
That’s a big deal. It’s also a big deal that we have such a big research institution in our backyard that is working to treat and find a cure.
The race actually takes place at MD Anderson in the Texas Medical Center and it’s staffed up like crazy with volunteers helping you find parking, guiding you to the start line, and cheering you along during the race. This was my first race in the Texas Medical Center and it was nice to run in an area that isn’t typically runner-friendly. The course itself is pretty flat and fast, with just a few turns. Since it only offers up a 5K option, it’s a big race for walkers and families to come out and do together, so as a runner you’re well ahead of the pack.
The post-race party is also worth writing about. It’s hosted in the Prairie — MD Anderson’s greenspace — and featured treats including kolaches, bunt cakes, coffee, and even hummus (thanks Verts!).
I had a blast with my runner friends from Revolution and even tried (sort of) to chase down my husband!
Loving life on the run. 