Especially for You® Race celebrates 31 years with nearly 13,000 participants
2021 race offered both in-person and virtual options
Nearly 13,000 people registered for the 31st annual Especially for You® Race Against Breast Cancer, which took place today at Mercy Medical Center. Registrants could choose to participate in-person or virtually.
Three separate wave starts were utilized this year to create social distancing at the starting line. Additional COVID-19 mitigation efforts included asking participants to mask at both the start and finish lines; hand sanitizer and hand hygiene stations; and contactless water stations along the course route. Those choosing to participate virtually were encouraged to run or walk on their own or in small groups, and in the location of their choice.
Proceeds from race registrations benefit the Especially for You fund. This year, more than $385,000 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 with 26,000 services right here in Linn County.
General Mills and Mercy Medical Center are co-founders of the race, which includes a 5K run, 5K walk and a one-mile family fun walk. The course route finished at Greene Square Park in downtown Cedar Rapids, where participants enjoyed music, food truck offerings and a health fair.
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.
2021 Race Details
-Total registrants: 12,806 (in 2020, there were 10,264)
-Money raised for Especially for You: More than $385,000 in race registrations
-Total number of registered teams: 457
Top Business Teams with Most Members:
- Mercy Medical Center – 854
- Fairfax State Savings Bank – 508
- OB/GYN Associates – 191
Top Family Teams with Most Members:
- Team Deb "Live Life Until the End" – 86
- BREAST OF FRIENDS – MONTICELLO – 109
- Julie's (A-Team) – 82
Fun Facts
- Race participants represented 483 cities and 37 states.
- The oldest registrant was 96 years old.
- Total number of cancer survivors registered for the race – 690
- This year’s t-shirt color was Flo Blue. The color is changed every year.
- Race results will be posted at www.especiallyforyourace.org later today.
