The 2024 Chemo Noir 1 Mile Run & Tasting had one of its best years since the event started eight years ago.
As the tradition has become the event was held at Casa Marina at Jacksonville Beach on June 15, as the run took place on the shores of the beach starting and ending at the Jacksonville Beach Pier.
According to Chemo Noir founder and chairman Katrin Casey, this year’s event was sold out with a maximum of 800 runners and walkers registered and taking part in the race.
“Best one yet,” Casey said.
The large number of participants is a sign that the event continues to grow, and people are continuing to want to get involved with helping the nonprofits cause, which is to raise money to help with the financial burdens that can come about for those battling cancer.
The event’s goal to raise this year was $50k, and although there are still a few reports they are waiting on to come in, everything is pointing toward meeting and likely exceeded the goal in mind.
"Every year this event gets more special and emotional for me," Casey said. "It's a truly amazing day to see so many people, with so much positive energy and generosity, get together for all of the right reasons.”
The course consisted of a stretch of beach a half mile long before a turn that was dedicated to one of the very first Chemo Noir supporters and friends, Tara Newton Richardson.
At “Tara’s Turn,” which is has become well known over the years, had a cheering section and water station to offer relief and support for participants who had reached the halfway point of the race.
An awards ceremony was held in the courtyard at Casa Marina following the race where the top three male and female finishers were all awarded trophies.
However, another award given out was a lifetime achievement award to Deborah J. Collins, which made for a heartwarming moment because she is Casey’s mother.
“Our Chemo Noir tribe of survivors, partners, volunteers, donors, vendors and community just keeps getting better,” Casey said. “Kind of like a fine wine."
