Registration Now Open for 20th Anniversary “RACE IN THE PARK”

Registration for the 2023 “RACE IN THE PARK” is now open. The popular annual event proudly marks its 20th anniversary, bringing people together to raise money to advance breast cancer education and research initiatives in Connecticut, to make a difference locally in the fight against breast cancer.

A statewide nonprofit organization, the Connecticut Breast Health Initiative (CT BHI), hosts the annual fundraising event in New Britain’s historic Walnut Hill Park, to be held this year on Saturday, May 13. It is the largest fundraiser to support leading-edge breast cancer research in Connecticut.

With generous public and corporate support from the annual Mother’s Day weekend event for two decades, more than $4.3 million and 107 grants have been provided for research and education initiatives, with 100% of money raised staying in Connecticut.

To register or pledge for this event, which includes a 5K Race and Walk and 4K and 1 Mile Walks, and Kids’ Challenge, visit www.ctbhi.org. Individuals and teams are welcome.

Early adult registrants will receive an early bird special price of $26, February 14-26, and the registration fee will then increase incrementally during the following weeks. For youth ages 13-17, registration is $20 and for children 12 & under registration is $15 to participate in the Kids Fun Run.

The RACE IN THE PARK brings statewide benefits. The money raised has funded grants provided to breast cancer research and education initiatives across the state, including in Bridgeport, Danbury, Farmington, Hartford, Middletown, New Britain, New Haven, Norwalk and Stamford.

The rate of female breast cancer in Connecticut’s population is the second highest in the United States. It is estimated that about 3,500 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in Connecticut women this year. A woman living in the United States has a 12.3 percent, or 1 in 8, lifetime risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer. Exclusive of skin cancers, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women.

“100% raised in Connecticut. 100% stays in Connecticut,” said Joyce Bray, president of the CT BHI Board of Directors. “Every person who participates, every dollar donated, brings us closer to the next breakthrough and ultimately a cure. This is the only program of its kind in the state. And there is groundbreaking research underway right here in Connecticut that we are proud to support, thanks to our dedicated donors, participants and volunteers.”

The RACE IN THE PARK – always a family-centered day - will again offer options including a 5K run, a 4K walk, a 1 mile walk, and two Kids’ Challenges (1 mile and ½ mile). Each course includes a loop around the Historic Walnut Hill Park, and participants in the 5K also run through the surrounding neighborhood. Racers can expect to see enthusiastic local residents standing on their front lawns, cheering them on. RACE IN THE PARK activities also include a Beer Garden by Five Churches, Food Trucks, a Silent Auction/Auction Raffle Tent, on-site Touch-a-Truck for kids, and live music.

“The entire community really comes together to support this wonderful family day,” Bray observes. “Volunteers are the backbone of the event. They ensure that all goes smoothly, which makes it a truly memorable experience for every participant. Because of everyone’s extraordinary efforts, we’re able to fund forward-thinking programs that have yet to qualify for federal grants. And we’re doing it where it matters most – right here at home. Our vision is a world without breast cancer, and we know that research is the answer to cancer.”

The RACE IN THE PARK celebrates survivors with a wonderfully upbeat RACE Day Survivor Breakfast at the start of the day alongside the RACE course. Details on the Survivor Breakfast will be announced in the coming weeks.

In recent years, researchers at MidState Medical Center, UConn Health Center, Yale University, Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center, Middlesex Hospital, Norwalk Hospital, Hospital of Central Connecticut and Stamford Health have been among the grant recipients, as CT BHI has continued to provide grants to Connecticut facilities on the frontlines of breast cancer healthcare and research.

Recent grants have been awarded to initiatives including: Saint Francis Comprehensive Women’s Health Center Breast Health Outreach Program; Lymphedema Clinical Program at Hartford HealthCare Rehabilitation Network/The Hospital of Central CT Rehabilitation For Breast Health; and Novel Therapeutic Targeting of Metastatic Breast Cancer and the Biomedical Engineering Department Personalized 3D Printed Breast Forms Project – University of Connecticut Health Center.

There’s nothing like being together on RACE day. That will be evident once again on Saturday, May 13. The RACE IN THE PARK brings people together, affirms community spirit, and reflects a camaraderie of respect and honor, resilience and remembrance.

“RACE Day is not only about raising money for breast cancer research, it also supports the community of survivors and honors loved ones,” explains Bray. “With generous support this year, our twentieth anniversary, Connecticut can lead the way in breast cancer research, advancing the work of dedicated researchers across our state.”

Anyone of high school age or older is encouraged to volunteer on the day before, or the day of, the event. More information about volunteer opportunities is available on THE RACE website. For more information about the RACE IN THE PARK and the Connecticut Breast Health Initiative, or to make a donation or learn about corporate sponsorships – including in-kind sponsorships – visit www.ctbhi.org.