SW Michigan Race for the Cure®

Race History in Southwest Michigan

1996

The Battle Creek Road Runners led by Wayne Young organized the first Battle Creek Komen Race for the Cure with 306 community members participating. Early in 1997, a check for $10,000 was presented to the Calhoun Department of Health for a new program. “First Look” filled the breast health care gap in Calhoun County. Women under 40 without insurance or underinsured could receive breast healthcare attention. State Senator John J. H. Schwarz was the Honorary Chair.

1997

The Race grew to 699 participants and provided $30,000 in funding for local programs. Mary C. Robinson wins the Survivor Division. The Honorary Chair was again Senator John J.H. Schwarz. WWMT Channel 3 stepped up to be the Presenting Sponsor. Judy Markee became the Official Spokesperson for the Race.

1998

Saw 758 participants and $40,000 going to fund local programs. U. S. Senator Spencer Abraham served as Honorary Chair. Mary C. Robinson wins the Survivor division for the second year in a row. Tradition of having a special dinner for breast cancer survivors the night before the Race begins under the leadership of Joyce Bishop.

1999

Race participation rises to 1100, tripling the size of the initial Race. Honorary Chair is Dr. Elson Floyd, President of Western Michigan University. Race bib # 1 is retired in honor of Mary Robinson’s life and becomes part of the Mary C. Robinson award given to the winner of the Survivor Division. Team participation is seen as the major reason for growth. $55,000 is awarded to local agencies from Race revenue and other fundraising events. Team Hope begins its campaign to help women in SW Michigan.

2000

1430 people show up Race Day to celebrate survivors and life. The Race along with the other fundraising events raises $53,000 for local funding in its fifth year. Jim and Samantha Pearl begin their tenure at Race Co-Chairs. The Race Committee expands as more of the community gets involved.

2001

In its 6th year the Komen SW Michigan Race for the Cure® moves to a new and exciting venue at Kellogg's Cereal City, USA™ in downtown Battle Creek. Kids for the Cure program is added with a special Race and games and activities. The new venue is a big hit with everyone involved. 1473 participants turn out for the biggest Race yet and $60,000 is turned over to the local Komen Affiliate to fund programs in SW Michigan. Enquirer Publisher Ellen Leifeld is the Local Honorary Chair. Kellogg’s has the largest team at the Race.

2002

Over $100,000 is raised during the 7th Komen SW Michigan Race for the Cure©. Participants pledges were responsible for $40,000. "I am always amazed at the pledges our participants bring to the Race," said Race Director Wayne Young. The average pledge amount is $66. Race Co-chairs Jim and Samantha Pearl were honored. "We have done Race for our twin daughters in hopes that a cure for breast cancer will be found in their lifetime, so that they will never know its devastation," Jim said. They stepped down due to a job relocation.

2003

Tim Cole takes over as Race Chair in honor of his mother who is a Survivor. The committee continues to grow as the Race again takes in over $100,000 to fund programs throughout SW Michigan. This is the third year at Kellogg’s Cereal City and the site again receives rave reviews. Judy Pickett a three time Survivor from California runs the race in her quest to complete 100 Komen Race for the Cure events across the country. She speaks to the crowd with her inspirational message of not quitting in her fight against breast cancer and of raising awareness.

2004

The Race Committee’s recommendation of moving the Race to Kalamazoo, the largest city in the Affiliate’s service area, is approved by the local Board of Directors in late 2003. Therefore there is no race in 2004 as a new committee is formed in the Kalamazoo area and the Race date is changed to a May event.