Stribling Striders Race For The Cure
Sunday, September 9, 2018 — “This is the first time the weather hasn’t been absolutely perfect,” remarked Stribling’s Gene Fein, who each year dutifully and thoughtfully recruits and organizes a team to participate in the Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure, raising funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer. Thanks to her efforts, the team known as the Stribling Striders has been participating in the event for the last seven years.
Gene was absolutely right about the weather. For the first time in weeks the temperature dropped well below 70 degrees, and the blistering sunshine we’d gotten used to was replaced by an annoyingly steady (and chilly!) rainfall. The wet weather, however, didn’t seem to dampen spirits as hundreds of runners and walkers began to congregate near the starting line.
The 2018 Stribling Striders consisted of Gene Fein, Louise Wallace, Alidia White, Sarah Alvarez, Ashley Murphy, and Eric Engel — each decked out in a signature Stribling hat.
Unlike in past races, this year the NYC Komen Race For The Cure allowed for runners to be timed during the 5K course, which kicked off near the Museum of Natural History on the Upper West Side then up Central Park West to 91st Street, where runners/ walkers entered Central Park and looped down toward Central Park South before ending the race on the East Side of the 72nd Street transverse.
“I’ve never run a 5K so fast,” beamed Ashley, who crossed the finish line in fourth place for women, and 13th overall. Sarah also had a particularly strong event, shaving 30 seconds off of her previous 5K time. Eric ran the course untimed, but was thrilled to have been part of the event. Gene, Alidia, and Louise walked through the park where Gene remained at the finish line, as she does every year, cheering on the participants.
After the race, spectators and participants gathered near the Naumburg Bandshell to pick up swag bags, rehydrate, and grab a bite to eat in Hope Village — a series of kiosks and vendors lending their support to the cause.
Nationwide, one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime. Last year alone, nearly a quarter million women and 2,500 men were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. Approximately 40,000 women and 400 men died from the disease. The funds raised by the Stribling Striders, and all Race For The Cure participants, help to fund mammograms, clinical breast exams, and support services for women, men, families, as well as education and research.
For more information about the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, please visit their website. Congratulations to all of the survivors, thrivers, participants and supporters!
