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October 13, 2008
The annual Fun Run was still fun – even without the sun
 Eighty-five islanders and visitors signed up for the fifth annual Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation Fun Run on Saturday, Oct. 11, in Salvo. And their spirits were not dampened by the dark clouds that gathered offshore as they signed up for the 10 a.m. event. Eventually, the clouds gave way to a drizzly rain, but the day was still a success. Much of that, foundation organizers say, was courtesy of the Chicamacomico Banks Volunteer Fire Department. The volunteer firemen pitched a big tent, so that the festivities before, during, and after the race were out of the rain. The fun runners sprinted and walked their way to the finish line in the three-mile race. They ran and they walked and they were accompanied by kids and dogs and strollers. The race was won once again by Keith Gray of Buxton. His wife, Agnes, won first place among the women competitors. Second place went to Mike Villareal, and third place to Krystyna Suozenski. Austin Warren won first place in the kids’ category. After the race, the runners and their fans enjoyed food and camaraderie. The Atlantic Coast Café provided coffee, Danishes, and muffins. After the race, Darrin Callahan dished out Hatteras-style pulled-pork barbecue, and the U.S. Coast Guard at Station Hatteras Inlet also cooked pork barbecue. Johnny Conner of Conner’s Supermarket in Buxton brought his famous barbecued beef brisket. Fairhaven United Methodist Church sold baked goods, and also provided games and face painting for the youngsters. The Dare County Water Department’s Rodanthe osmosis plant employees handed out water to quench the thirst of the runners and walkers. And young entrepreneurs Hannah Barnett and Claudia Caldwell sold pink lemonade from their colorful, homemade stand. They raised $100 for the foundation. Caitlyn Gray sang under the tent, and a number of items, donated by local businesses, were raffled. When the gathering ended about noon, $3,300 was raised for the cancer foundation, which provides financial assistance and informational support to island cancer patients. “Despite the dreary weather, we were thrilled with the turnout,” said Donna Barnett and Martha Caldwell, board members who organized the event for the foundation. “Everything was donated, so there were no expenses involved. We thank all of the individuals and businesses who support the event and islanders who are dealing with cancer.” Each year, the Fun Run moves to a different village on the island. Next year’s Fun Run will be on Saturday, Oct. 10, in Hatteras village, the site of the first event in 2004. For more information on the Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation, visit the Web site at http://www.hicf.org. Click Here To View Slideshow |
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