Racers won't forget why they're running

Greeley's Bonnie Dean calls herself "old news."

For Dean, being old news is good news.

Dean, 65, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1998. She went through chemotherapy and radiation treatments and has been cancer-free since.

Even so, Dean has never forgotten the support she received during her recovery from the Rocky Mountain Cancer Rehabilitation Institute headquartered at the Ben Nighthorse Campbell Center on the University of Northern Colorado.

Part of the proceeds from the race goes to support a grant from the Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation to provide education, screening and treatments at the Rocky Mountain Cancer Rehabilitation institute.

That's why even though she isn't a runner, Dean participates each year in the annual Fourth of July Komen North Colorado Race for the Cure that will be held starting at 7:15 a.m., Wednesday along the route of the Independence Stampede Parade.

Besides the 5K run/walk, there is also a 1-mile memorial walk that Dean and usually two or three of her friends do each year to support the cause.

The support Dean received from the cancer rehabilitation center played a critical role in her recovery.

"What it did for me and what it does for others who go through that program is it gives you at a time when everything is being done to you, it gives you a way to feel like you can do something for yourself," Dean said.

Dean believes the exercise she received at the center not only helped her combat the fatigue of her cancer, but gave her the emotional support she needed at a critical time.

"The trainers all understand who they are dealing with," Dean said.

The race also gives her a bond with other cancer survivors.

"It is a great thing for Komen and it allows us to do some things like provide funding for the Cancer Rehab Center, so it works for everybody," Dean said.

FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS: The annual Komen North Colorado Race for the Cure is not the only race on the Fourth of July. Windsor Parks and Recreation is offering a race for those on two legs and on four. The 4Legged 4K Run/Walk will be held 9 a.m. Wednesday at Eastman Park. While the event is geared toward dogs and their owners, any four-legged animal is welcome as long as they can be controlled on a leash. Cost is $10 per person if registered by today and is $15 on race day. Information: 674-3500.

LA SALLE: It is a busy week for running in Weld County. The annual La Salle Railroad 3-mile Run will be held starting 9 a.m. Saturday on the east side of the railroad tracks adjacent to the La Salle Community Center, 101 Todd Ave in La Salle. Runners will do one-mile loops around the east side of the tracks. Kids 6-and-under will also be able to participate in the Caboose Race, a popular event with all the runners. Cost for the race is $15 and is the same on race day. Runners can pre-register at Bells Running in Greeley or at the La Salle Community Center. Race day registration will begin at 6:30 a.m. Information: 284-0900.

NOCO TRIATHLON SERIES: The final leg of the Northern Colorado Triathlon Series, the Loveland Lake-to-Lake Triathlon was held Saturday and Lakewood's Joshua Merrick won the event in 2 hours, 10 minutes and 22 seconds. He finished first in both the biking and running portion of the event. Greeley's Jim Fuller was the top Weld County finisher, placing first in the 55-59 age group and 35th overall with a total time of 2:30.15. Fuller's best time was in the water where he was 29th overall in 24:27. The top Weld County female finisher was Greeley's Kris Ayers, who was third in the 40-44 age group and finished 151st overall with a time of 2:48:16.

COLUMBINE RUN: Kevin Magee of Evans finished second overall and first among all males at the Columbine 5K Run/Walk June 24 in Fort Collins. Magee finished with a time of 21:18.6. Windsor's Kirsten Mccay-Smith was fifth overall and second among all females with a time of 22:44.4.

RIVER RUN 5K: Greeley's Doug Bell was eighth overall and first in the 50-59 age group in the Lyons River Run 5K race held June 24 in Lyons. Bell, 56, finished in a time of 17:15.

WHAT: Komen North Colorado Race for the Cure 5K Run/Walk

WHEN: 7:15 a.m. Wednesday

WHERE: Along the route of the Greeley Independence Stampede Parade, starting at the intersection of 15th Street and 9th Avenue.

WHY: The Komen North Colorado Race for the Cure supports breast cancer education in northeastern Colorado, including the counties of Weld, Morgan, Logan, Washington and Sedgwick. Nearly $50,000 was raised last year in the fight against breast cancer. Of that amount, 75 percent remained in northeastern Colorado to help with breast cancer education, screenings and treatment for the medically under-served. The remaining proceeds are contributed to The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation National Grant Program to fund breast cancer research across the United States.