Chattanooga Race for the Cure

Race for the Cure signs along Oak Street
in Fortwood

Chattanooga received positive press last month for being an especially charitable city-- according to the Times Free Press, "The average Chattanoogan gives away nearly twice as much of his or her disposable income to charities and religious groups as the typical American." They cited the city's geography and layout puts the rich and poor in closer proximity than in many cities, as well as the city's religious history and continued prevalence of churches encouraging tithes. The city many foundations that have spurred revitalization efforts have also created an "ethos of giving" in Chattanooga. It's simply part of the culture.

No where was this spirit of generosity and community more visible than in the huge turnout yesterday for Chattanooga's Race for the Cure. As far as the eye could see the route was filled with supporters and survivors decked out in pink, running and walking around the UTC campus and through the Fortwood neighborhood. According to the Times Free Press, "This year, about 6,800 participants and 500 volunteers took part in the race, which had 5K and 1-mile courses. Runners and walkers started and finished at McKenzie Arena at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga."

In addition to teams bearing signs with the name of loved ones who have fought with breast cancer, there were also teams bearing the names of local businesses, organizations, and neighborhoods. Groups of all sorts turned out, from a team from Orchard Knob to the UTC nursing students to Erlanger nurses to a band of Crye-Leike employees. These groups show that Race for the Cure was not only for friends and families of cancer victims and survivors, but was truly a community event that brought together churches, businesses, and institutions of all sorts.

Congratulations to everyone who walked, donated, and celebrated. It was not only a great time to honor those who have fought cancer and raise money for a cure, but also a great time to honor what makes Chattanooga such a special place to live, a place filled with good neighbors.