Proud To Be Pink 5K supports breast cancer awareness
Running in honor of family and friends who have fought against breast cancer, Logan community members gathered at 9 a.m. in about 45-degree weather to run in the Proud To Be Pink 5K. The race is relatively new to Logan as it started in honor of a breast cancer survivor Shelley Compton.
Shelley Compton was an avid runner — in 2023, as a 12-year cancer survivor, she died due to an auto-pedestrian accident while out on a run. According to an article in the Herald Journal, published the month of her passing, Compton was largely involved in the community, working in parks and recreation for almost 30 years. As a breast cancer survivor, Compton helped others suffering from breast cancer by organizing support from the community. In addition to this, Compton was also involved in sports programs and giving speeches to sports teams, as well as to the Logan Institute of Religion.
In her honor, Logan City holds the 5K each year to spread breast cancer awareness and bring the community together. They also encouraged donations while the race itself was free. This year, the race was held on Oct. 18, starting at Canyon Entrance Park, going up Logan Canyon and coming back in an out-and-back course.
As event coordinators waited for runners to check in, it was observed this year’s race did not have the same turnout as the past year. Last year’s 5K had 50 people, with this year reportedly less.
Ben Sorensen, recreation coordinator for the Logan Parks and Recreation Department, told The Utah Statesman he believes this is due to the change of date. In the past, they did the race at the beginning of the month over the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints General Conference weekend. In hopes that more people would attend, they moved the race to a later date. Sorensen said because it was Homecoming week at Utah State University, the participation was lower this year.
Many participants of the race were either there as a survivor or running in honor of friends and family. Callie Andersen, Julie Andersen and Karen Bowen all showed up ready to walk for their loved ones.
Julie is one participant who fought breast cancer herself. She was accompanied by her family, including Callie, her daughter. Callie said she was there to honor her mom and her battle against breast cancer. The group said they wouldn’t be running but still showing their support by walking the length of the 5K.
While there were not many actively participating in the race, the runners had plenty of support from volunteers and race coordinators. Volunteers from Intermountain Health checked in racers and gave out Intermountain Health and “Proud To Be Pink” swag.
Sorensen said Lee’s Marketplace worked with the city to sponsor the race and provided breakfast muffins at the beginning of the race for participants.
“I like being here to see strangers come together,” Callie said.
Those at the race came from different backgrounds with different experiences. However, they were all there in retaliation to breast cancer, showing up to support those who have gone through it.
In preparation for the event, Kylee Stapley, another recreation coordinator for the city, said she and other recreation coordinators worked to promote the race. As the department recreation coordinators, Stapley, Sorenson, Caleb Johnson and Milo McKinnon welcomed participants and encouraged volunteers and racers through the difficult weather.
As October is breast cancer awareness month, the 5K is not the only way support has been shown this month. Other events and organizations in Utah include the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer as well as the Susan G. Komen foundation. Both provide support for those enduring breast cancer and opportunities for the community to get involved and help.
According to their website, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer held a walk on Oct. 11 in Sandy. They also promote other efforts against breast cancer such as Millcreek Coffee’s invitation to round up on purchases to support the American Cancer Society as well as buying their “pink drinks,” where 10% of proceeds will be donated to the society.
The Susan G. Komen foundation provides opportunities to help all over the country. They also provide a way for individuals to start their own fundraiser, as seen on their website. For more information, visit secure.acsevents.org and komen.org.