Family ...
the inspiration behind Alton Blakley 5K Run / Walk to Beat Breast Cancer
By Carla Slavey
There are numerous ways to shine a spotlight on the problem of breast cancer , and numerous ways to try to aid those who have been affected by it . For around 20 years , the Alton Blakley Family of Dealerships have worked hard to do both .
While the Blakley family has in the past been the sponsor of one of the biggest cancer events of Pulaski , the yearly Breast Cancer Symposium , the COVID pandemic squashed plans to hold the event in 2020 and 2021 .
“ It was really good . We enjoyed doing it , but with COVID , it wasn ’ t the responsible thing to do , to get everyone in the same room ,” said Brad Gover , the marketing director for the dealership . The 17 symposiums , held at the Center for Rural Development , had a professional atmosphere , with guest speakers , informational booths and vendors , all with the aim of bringing awareness to the disease and raising money for research .
But while COVID put the kibosh on the symposium , a new idea emerged that could also bring awareness and raise money – a 5K race .
In November , 2021 , the first Alton Blakely 5K Run / Walk to Beat Breast Cancer was held , and according to Gover , it was an overwhelming success . So much so that this year will see the return of the event , now with “ Second Annual ” in its name .
The race has also moved up to the first of October as a way to kick off National Breast Cancer Awareness Month .
Gover said of the 2021 event , “ We were happy with the turnout and hope to build bigger each and every year . ... As of right now , we ’ re just going to have the 5K run / walk . There aren ’ t any plans at this point to do another symposium .”
That may be just as well , because even though the symposium was popular , the 5K proved to be just as popular last year .
With breakfast provided by Chick-fil-A and coffee from Baxter ’ s , a large turnout of runners and walkers were fueled well to complete the course .
It ’ s a challenging route , Gover noted ,
September 2022 SEKY - Life in Southeast Kentucky • 7