Especially for You® Race participation exceeds expectations with more than 10,200 registering for virtual event
More than 10,200 people registered for the 30th annual Especially for You® Race Against Breast Cancer, which took place virtually this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As a virtual race, participants ran or walked on their own time and in the location of their choice. Participants were then encouraged to share their race achievements by posting pictures and updates on social media. Other virtual engagement opportunities included a downloadable course kit, finisher certificates and an optional take-and-make breakfast kit.
“While we would have preferred to hold the event in person to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the race, that just wasn’t possible this year,” said Jeff Decker, EFY race director. “I’m exceedingly grateful, however, for the community’s ongoing support and engagement. Registration numbers have exceeded our expectations, allowing us to continue to support individuals in need and promote early detection of breast and gynecological cancers, which is really what the race is all about.”
Proceeds from race registrations benefit the Especially for You fund. This year, more than $296,000 in registrations was raised for the fund, which provides financial assistance for breast and gynecological cancer screenings and services for area individuals in need. Since its inception, the Especially for You fund has helped more than 11,000 individuals access 24,000 services right here in Linn County.
The Especially for You Race has experienced tremendous growth since the first race in 1991, when 1,078 people participated. The race and Especially for You fund are dedicated to the memory of Sandy Knight, a Whittier resident and General Mills employee who died of breast cancer at a young age in July 1991. It was her wish to establish a race to raise funds for breast cancer awareness and education.
General Mills and Mercy Medical Center are co-founders of the race.
2020 Virtual Race Details
-Total registrants: 10,264 (in 2019, there were 14,473)
-Money raised for Especially for You: More than $296,000 in race registrations
-Total number of registered teams: 402
Top Business Teams with Most Members:
- Mercy Medical Center – 949
- Fairfax State Savings Bank – 434
- OB-GYN Associates – 195
Top Family Teams with Most Members:
- Team Deb: Live Life Until the End – 174
- Michelle’s Motivators – 66
- Team M&M – 63
Fun Facts
- Race registrations represented 446 cities, 41 states and were from as far away as the Virgin Islands
- Total number of cancer survivors registered for the race – 609
- This year’s T-shirt color was hot pink. The color is changed every year.
- Race results and photos will be posted at www.especiallyforyourace.org
- To view EFY’s 30th anniversary race video, visit: https://youtu.be/KAdo4Q2c0RM
