Killbuck Early American Days Pink Out 5K supports local women battling breast cancer

Some people run for their health, others run for fun, but on Saturday, Aug. 30 during Killbuck Early American Days, people can run with a greater purpose.

The second annual EAD Pink Out 5k will take place and include a 5k and a 1-mile run or walk, all in the name of supporting a pair of local women.

This year’s run will go to support Erica Miller and Jenny Wilcox, both of whom are bravely battling breast cancer.

Whether people are joining in the Pink Out to participate or donating to the cause financially, each penny will go directly toward helping these two women and their families deter some of the rising medical expenses they are facing, expenses that include medical treatment, recovery costs and the many other financial burdens that cancer places on each individual and their families.

Event coordinator Melissa Gallion said events like this are only possible through the genuine compassion and giving of community, and she said she has experienced so many people giving back over the years that it only makes sense to continue that giving by promoting this event.

“It’s never easy to fight through cancer, and these two women have been so incredibly brave and amazing throughout all of this,” Gallion said. “I feel like this community and Holmes County is so giving and caring when it comes to showing their support for others, which is what we want to share with these two women in this race.”

All 5k runners will line up at the trailhead of the Rails-to-Trails in Killbuck. This year the course will take place entirely on the Holmes County Trail/bike path. Runners will run down the trail a mile to the halfway point, then turn around and come back to finish exactly where the race began.

Because it all takes place on the trail, the terrain is flat and easy for beginners. For those who don’t want to tackle the 5k, a second option is to sign on board for a 1-mile walk or run. Awards will be announced and given out at the main stage at the town square on Main Street and Front Street downtown directly after the race. The registration fee is $25 and includes an event T-shirt.

Gallion said the hope is this event will grow large enough to help people dealing with medical financial burdens of all types.

“That’s the goal,” she said. “We want to help as many people as possible through our giving.”

While participating in the race is one way to give, Gallion said there are other ways to get involved. Gallion is making small yard flags that are designed to show support that people may purchase for $1 or a donation.

However, just as important is the willingness to show up and support, whether it is for the runners, for the two women or for the cause.

“We have to let those going through cancer know they aren’t alone, that there are people out there willing to walk with them and be there to support and love them,” Gallion said. “One of our biggest goals is to show that there is always support in providing hope for the future.”

She also said even those who aren’t running or walking may purchase T-shirts on race day to help support the cause, and people may show up as late as the moment prior to the race to sign up.

Whether running in honor of Jenny and Erica’s journey or to simply support them, the invitation remains open to walk with them through this journey in their lives.

Participants may register for the Pink Out 5k at runsignup.com/Race/OH/Killbuck/EarlyAmericanDays5KFunWalk.

The run will take place at 1082-1068 N. Main St. in Killbuck. For more information email Gallion at melissaef4@gmail.com or find Early American Days on Facebook.