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Stride in style against breast cancer

By: Victoria White
| Published 09/05/2013

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THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- Stilettos are a popular fashionable statement that adds a sense of glamour to whoever wears them. But on September 14, hundreds of people, including men, will be wearing them for a different reason.

This year iGoPink and the Breast Cancer Charities of America (BCCA) are hosting their 4th annual Stiletto Sprint at Market Street. This 50-meter dash is like others of its genre in that it supports a good cause- breast cancer research, prevention, and helping those going through breast cancer now. However, in this dash the competitors wear stilettos, usually pink.

Most things at the race are pink, including the costumes that women, children, and men wear. “A few years ago we had a woman in her wedding dress running, we’ve had guys wearing clothes out of their wives closets and stuffing their top part with socks… we’ve had kids come spray painted head to toe in pink, women that have Stiletto Sprint Shoe parties and they all decorate their heels,” said Erica Tullis, executive director of iGoPink and The Breast Cancer Charities of America. At the end, a reward is given to the most uniquely dressed individual and team. From tutu’s to wedding dresses, even men wearing tutus and pink wigs, it’s all worn at this event. “It’s classic entertainment,” Tullis said.

This is a unifying experience. It allows women to join in the fight against breast cancer, while wearing their favorite pair of high heels. “The stiletto sprint is meant to empower women as sisters in stilettos and help men experience just an inch (or three depending on your heel height) of what it’s like to walk in a woman’s shoes,” Tullis said. However, if you’re not comfortable sprinting in heels - fear not! Sneaker sprints are also available to everyone; including the “Divas-in-Training” and “Speed Demons.” “It’s encouraging to watch survivors strut and see their supporters rally around them,” Tullis said.

As if the race weren’t rewarding enough, there are multiple distinctive trophies and prizes offered at the end. Trophies for the best dressed and fastest sprinters are awarded at the end. “This year we have some extremely unique art trophies to match our extremely unique event. A local Woodlands Resident and Sam Houston State University student, with an eye for art created the pink glittered Stiletto trophies,” Tullis said. The staff, including the SHSU student, of iGoPink and the Breast Cancer Charities of America worked together to create the trophies. Tiffany and Co., Tommy Bahamas, Crescent Moon Wine Bar, Fleet Feet, and Langford Market have also donated various prizes. There is also a VIPink Post Party at 1252 Tapas Bar after the race from 10:30 a.m.- 12:30p.m.

Some teams attend every year in honor of loved ones. Teams of friends, families, and coworkers all attend and honestly who doesn’t want to see their boss running in heels and a tutu? It’s a great bonding experience; all while supporting a good cause, having fun and looking fabulous! “Most of these teams are running in honor of someone that has gone through/is going through/has passed from breast cancer and they’re out there to celebrate the life of that woman and supporting the next person,” Tullis said.

On September 14 when races start at 9 a.m., be ready. Whether running or not, come out at celebrate this event and its contenders with cheerleaders, mascots and musical entertainment. The entertainment is priceless, the cause is sublime, the prizes and trophies are fabulous; the experience is irreplaceable. You’ll also get to see how well men can run in high heels; it might surprise you.

For more information on the Stiletto Sprint or to register visit the links below. To donate to BCCA and sponsor a runner in the sprint visit the Woodlands Online fundraiser page.

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