81 complete 5K in Medina for breast cancer awareness and Knights-Kaderli

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Participants in the first-time Hometown Wellness Center 5-kilometer walk and run head down West Avenue towards the Erie Canal this morning.

There were 81 people who completed the course, and most wore pink shirts in support of breast cancer awareness. Proceeds from the event also went to the Knights-Kaderli Memorial Fund which assists Orleans County with cancer.

Pam Eaton, owner of Hometown Wellness, takes a group photo before the race and walk started at 9 a.m.

Eaton said about half of the participants were members of the Hometown Wellness Center with the rest other community members.

She wasn’t sure how many people to expect for the first-time event and was thrilled with the turnout.

Jennifer Cardone, front right, gives the group a pep talk before they headed out for the walk/run. She is one of the instructors at Hometown Wellness.

“I know a 5K is a long way for some of you,” she said. “But keep going. Be the hero of your story.”

This group is in one of the wellness classes that meets three times a week. They include, from left: Carol Bellack, Leslie Mischel, Robin Wehling, Bev Woodward, Tami Siffringer, Linda Allis and Sheree Canham.

The class is led by Patty Olinger, who is a breast cancer survivor. She embraced a healthier lifestyle when she was diagnosed with cancer 13 years, eating more nutritious meals and exercising.

Olinger leads a boot camp and fitness classes at Hometown Wellness.

“It’s thrilling to see so many people involved today,” Olinger said. “Here (at Hometown Wellness) it’s all about being positive and accepting.”

These participants walk down West Avenue towards the canal during the 5K this morning.

These runners are on the south side of the canal during an early part of the race.