Thurmont "thinks pink" in October

Edison Hatter

(10/23) The American Cancer Society dedicated October as National Breast Cancer Awareness month in 1985 to increase support for the disease. The color pink has become identifiable with the month, which is celebrated widely in a variety of different ways. In Thurmont, the month of October was dedicated as "Gateway to the Cure" month in 2014. Since then, the month has been full of promotions from local businesses to help raise funds for breast cancer awareness. In previous years, upwards of forty businesses have participated in the month-long event. Promotions from the past have included Chrysler Automotive donating money for each car they sell and the Shamrock Restaurant donating money for every pink piece of cake sold. The town office also sells pink light bulbs, pink tote bags, and other pink items. The major event for the month, however, is the Think Pink 5K, held at Eyler’s Park. This year was the 3rd Annual Think Pink 5K.

Every year, the race is attended by many looking to pledge support for finding the cure to breast cancer. Additionally, the race is often attended by Thurmont Commissioners, and Commissioner Wes Hamrick has been known to bring out a pair of bright pink high heels for the event in the past. Every year’s race seems to grow bigger and bigger and this year was no exception as nearly forty runners turned out on a chilly, early Saturday morning to participate in the fundraiser. The course takes runners and walkers through Eyler park and out through the covered bridge, before coming back to the park for the finish. Thurmont’s mayor, John Kinnaird, commented that the event had a "fantastic turnout" and he thanked everyone for coming out for such a great cause.

This year’s race was dominated from start to finish by Collin Shriner, a cross-country runner from Oakdale High School. Shriner clocked a time of 18:15, a new course record. Alex Contreas, a talented seventh grade runner for the Catoctin Youth Association program, finished in second with an impressive time of 20:24. Taking third on the male side of the event was Maynard (Paul) Bello in a time of 21:52. Bello was a class of 2017 graduate from Catoctin High School and is currently a freshman at Frederick Community College. On the female side, Felicia Albert was first in a time of 27:29, nearly five minutes ahead of her next female competitor, Cindy Burnsteel who had a time of 32:18, while Jamie Grover claimed third place in a time of 33:40.

The month of October has come and gone once again, and with it, the Gateway to the Cure month hosted by the town of Thurmont. In a few more months, the town will look to prepare for the fifth edition of the event in 2018. To find out more information about the Gateway to the Cure month or the Think Pink 5K, visit www.thurmont.com. To donate, visit the American Cancer Society’s website directly, www.cancer.org.