Raritan Bodybuilder Who Beat Cancer To Race With Survivors

RARITAN, NJ — One year after bodybuilder and cross-fit enthusiast Janine Dolce-Weith of Raritan beat cancer, she will now be joining other survivors in the Steeplechase Distance Run.

Dolce-Weith has always been healthy. That’s why it came as a complete "shock" when she was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer.

"I was in between mammograms, which I went to religiously, and found a lump in the shower," Dolce-Weith said.

The mother of two was diagnosed on July 5, 2018.

"When I was diagnosed I was training for a fitness competition. My diet was impeccable and I worked out all the time. So it was shocking to get the news," Dolce-Weith said.

She underwent chemotherapy and treatment at the Steeplechase Cancer Center at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset. While undergoing treatment she continued to do cross-fit and exercise.

"I didn’t feel like a number at Steeplechase," Dolce-Weith said. "It’s more personable. The staff knows who I am and make it more comforting for you when you are going through the whole process."

The chemotherapy room is open so that patients can talk and support one another.

"I was able to meet a lot of great people there," Dolce-Weith said.

Now a year later, Dolce-Weith’s cancer is in remission, and she is looking forward to joining other cancer survivors and others to run the 5K Steeplechase Distance Run in Hillsborough to help raise funds for the center who made her a survivor.

The 11th annual Steeplechase Distance Run will be held on Sunday, Sept. 29 at Amsterdam School in Hillsborough. The event features 10K and 5K runs, a 2-mile walk and kids’ sprints.

Dolce-Weith’s children, ages 8 and 5, will also participate in the kids sprint. Dolce-Weith also joined a team with a goal of raising $1,000. To donate to Dolce-Weith's team click here.

All proceeds from the Steeplechase Distance Run benefit educational and support services at the Steeplechase Cancer Center at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset.

The 10K run includes a flat course running through the scenic neighborhoods and landscapes of Hillsborough. The run features start mats, mile clocks and energy stations and is considered a challenging test of speed and endurance. Individuals may walk or run the 5K course or do a 2-mile walk. Children age 2 to 11 may participate in Kids’ Sprints, which are 25-100-yard runs. Each child will receive a prize.

All runs are USA Track and Field (USATF) certified.

Registration for the 10K Run, 5K Run and 2 Mile Walk is $30 (16 years old and older) and $15 (15 years old and younger) until Sept. 24. After Sept. 24, registration fees are $33 for all entries and $10 for the Kids’ Sprints. Participants will receive an event T-shirt.

Check-in and registration for the Steeplechase Distance Run will begin at 7:30 a.m. The 10K race begins at 8:45 a.m. followed by the 5K race at 9:30 a.m. and the Kids’ Sprints at 10:45 a.m. An awards ceremony for the 10K race will begin at 10:15 a.m., followed by an awards ceremony for the 5K race at 11:00 a.m. The event will be held rain or shine.

To register for the Steeplechase Distance Run, visit teeplechasedistancerun.com.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.