Pink on Parade 5K returns to AdventHealth Palm Coast

Palm Coast Observer
Neighbors

For the first time in three years, the Pink on Parade 5K was live on the campus of AdventHealth Palm Coast.

A virtual event the past two years, AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation Director John Subers estimated that 1,000 participants and spectators were on hand the morning of Sunday, Oct. 9 for the 5K, the 1-Mile Pet Friendly Fun Walk and related festivities. Three hundred ninety one runners and walkers completed the 5K distance (3.1 miles).

The event, organized by the City of Palm Coast and AdventHealth, celebrates breast cancer survivors and raises funds for cancer screenings, education, materials and diagnostic testing. All of the proceeds stay in Flagler County.

Before the start of the 5K, the Ladies of Flagler County — the largest team in the 5K race with 65 participants — presented the AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation with a giant check for $1,670 plus. The plus represented the fact that the group's fund-raising efforts were not finished.

The Boss Ladies of Flagler County presented special medals to the breast cancer survivors in attendance. Sisters Ana Reyes-Ouzts and Alina Perry-Smith began the Boss Ladies networking group two-and-a-half years ago. Perry-Smith, was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer in 2013.

"I had chemotherapy, radiation, a double mastectomy — the works," she said. A teacher at the time, Perry-Smith had always wanted to learn photography, so she decided to take some photography classes and wound up switching careers and is now a professional photographer.

Paul Shuler, Seabreeze High School's wrestling and bowling coach, won the 5K race with a time of 19 minutes, nine seconds. He said it was his first 5K victory, and his first race since recently turning 57.

Paige Brammer, 15, of Palm Coast, won the female division and finished third overall with a time of 20:31. Brammer, a high school sophomore, is a cross country runner at St. Joseph Academy in St. Augustine.

David Morden, 37, of Palm Coast, finished second overall with a time of 19:24. For complete results, go to https://runsignup.com/Race/Donate/FL/PalmCoast/pink5k.