by Ashleigh Beaudoin
Sometimes there is nothing to do, but run like a girl, and for a local group, it is always time to fight like one.
The third annual Fight Like a Girl five- and and 10-kilometre breast cancer fundraiser starts at 9 a.m. Oct. 18 at Derby Reach Regional Park.
Dayna Egyed, Hailey Van Dyke and Courtney Burt are the three friends and co-founders of the group Fight Like a Girl. The group started the run three years ago, after a close friend, Amy, was diagnosed with cancer. The group’s name, Fight Like a Girl, came from Amy.
“She always says, ‘If I’m going to fight this, I’m going to fight like a girl,’” said Egyed.
Three years later and the group is going strong, just back from a run in the Grand Canyon.
Aside from the yearly run, Fight Like a Girl posts all of their runs and adventures to their Facebook page, sharing their journeys and struggles with their followers.
“It’s just crazy how with us, we were just like, let’s share our ideas on Facebook and it has just exploded from there,” said Egyed.
The group now has more than 50,000 followers and is still growing.
Sunday’s race encourages people to come out and “Run like a girl,” in support of the Breast Cancer Society.
Locally, participants will run or walk the distance on the Fort-to-Fort trail on Sunday. There are 140 runners registered to run in the race, and the group has raised $4,200, already surpassing their goal and last year’s $3,000 donations.
Participants all over the world are invited to participate by running or walking at the same time.
“The goal is to get everyone running the same day… all over the world,” Egyed said.
As a virtual event, the race has an international reach and grows every year thanks to the group’s Facebook page.
“It’s about empowering women, but also men, and just encouraging them to get out there and achieve their goals,” says Egyed.
This year, Egyed is excited about the event’s theme: Live, Love, Run.
“It’s a quote that we (the group) liked,” she said. “Just to Live, Love and Run.”
There will be massages on-site offered by local massage students by donation, and all funds donated will also go to the Breast Cancer Society. Registered racers who finish the race will receive a hat and tank tops will be for sale. Registration for the race is now closed, but spectators are welcome to show support, run or walk with the participants.