MEEKER I The seventh annual Scrub Shirt Classic Race hosted more than 100 participants.
“We are thrilled to see so many people participate in the 5K walk, run or stroll event,” said Curtis Cooper, event coordinator and PMC IT manager. Pioneers Medical Center staff have been hosting the Scrub Shirt race for seven years. The staff volunteers to organize the event and man the race course. “We want everyone to have fun, and to know, that no matter what their fitness level, getting out and getting moving is a healthy choice,” Cooper said.
For an interesting twist to the event, the Meeker Elementary School fifth graders and the Barone Middle School sixth graders challenged each other to see who could get the most students to participate in the race and complete the 3.2 mile race course.
“The kids were amazing, 43 fifth and sixth graders completed the course,” said Margie Joy, PMC director of community relations. “The fifth graders won, by having more than 50 percent of their grade participate for a total of 27 students. They will receive a taco bar lunch and won new P.E. equipment for their school.”
Sixth graders Kale Burke and Gracie Bradfield were the first place male and female runners for the fifth/sixth grade competition. “Wow, our kids did an amazing job,” said Vicky Tate, Meeker Elementary School physical education teacher. “It was fantastic to see so many kids involved in healthy exercise.”
“We had several breast cancer survivors complete the race. It was a celebration to have them involved,” continued Joy. The proceeds of the Pioneers Medical Center Scrub Shirt 5K race will benefit the Marvine Ranch Cancer Screening Fund. Early detection is the best defense against cancer. The cancer screening fund assists our low-income and uninsured to afford their mammograms.
“We would like to thank all of the race participants, your involvement made the race a success. PMC would also like to thank the Meeker Rec Center and its staff for their assistance. The ERBM Rec Center was generous to share their electronic race system, which streamlined the start/finish line,” Joy said.