MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Station residents gathered on the seawall behind IronWorks Gym for The Race to Save Second Base, a five-kilometer breast cancer awareness walk and run Oct. 13, 2012.
The run and walk featured a raffle drawing and refreshments after the event. The event also offered information and education.
“So many people have been affected by breast cancer, whether it is people on station or family members,” said Andrea Aguirre, Marine Corps Community Service health promotions assistant director.
While breast cancer may not be as prominent in men as it is women, there is still a risk for males and should not be overlooked.
“There may not be as many cases of breast cancer in men, but they get it too,” said Aguirre. Men diagnosed with breast cancer usually develop it in the nipple or armpit area around the lymph nodes, according to Aguirre.
After learning a bit about breast cancer and the statistics behind it, the five-kilometer journey began. Even though the five-kilometer was not just for competition, some participants elected to run.
Leading the pack of 230 people was Korey Pritchett, race participant.
“I came out to run today because it's really a great cause,” said Pritchett. “My grandfather actually died of Leukemia so I have a history of cancer in my family. I chose to run it because walking just seemed too easy and I like to challenge myself.”
Most participants showed their support for the event by wearing pink, with some having truly creative costumes such as men wearing bright pink shirts and socks.
This years’ turnout for the event yielded a considerably higher participation rate than the previous year.
“I've been here since 2011, so I saw one last year, but we probably only had about 50 people. This year we are at 230 people, so it was a big jump,” said Aguirre.