Pinked-out people run and walk to help Hatteras cancer patients

October 12, 2015 | Island Features | By: Laura.Hooper

A sea of people in pink brightened up a gloomy morning in Avon on Saturday, Oct. 10, as 78 island residents and visitors ran, jogged, walked, biked, and pushed strollers in the Hatteras Island Cancer Foundation’s 12th annual Fun Run.

The 80 percent chance of showers forecast by the weathermen held out until later in the day, and the race was run under cloudy and breezy conditions with the temperature at about 70 degrees.

The 5K course began and ended at Sun Realty and took the participants through the streets in Kinnakeet Shores as they moved along to the music on a playlist designed just for the event by Jonah Dixon.

All participants and spectators are urged to wear pink, and they never disappoint. This year the crowd was “pinked-out” to the hilt with every shade of pink you could think of on every possible type of apparel — pink T-shirts, sweatshirts, shoes, shorts, tights, tutus, hats, and headbands.

Prizes for the most “pinked out” adult went to Connie Meekins, and Paizley Schultz won among the kids.

In the race, Joe Caroppoli took first place in the men’s division, and Kaylee Barnett placed first for the women’s. First place for a male under 12 went to Liam Van Druten and for a female under 12, Chloe Flythe took the honors.

Second place winners were Matthew Cartwright for men, Chris Caroppoli for women, Landon Sonnier for males under 12, and Karlene Ballance for females under 12.

Belton Gray won third in the men’s division, and Avery Johnson took third for the women. Laura Hooper placed third in females under 12.

After the main event, the crowd enjoyed barbecue by “Crazy Johnny” Conner as the music played and event organizers drew names for “door” prizes, which were donated by local businesses.

Event organizer Donna Barnett said that this year’s Fun Run set a record for the funds raised over — $10,000 to help Hatteras Island cancer patients with their medical and travel expenses.

The 2015 Fun Run sponsors included:

GOLD LEVEL SPONSOR

Cape Hatteras Exxon • Cape Hatteras Car Wash & Jarvis Towing

Greater Kinnakeet Shores Homeowners • Mead L. Slagle, DDS

SILVER SPONSOR

Rocco’s Pizza

BRONZE LEVEL SPONSOR

Hatteras Realty • Outer Beaches Realty • Frisco MIni Gold & Go Karts

Cape Hatteras Electric Coop Avon Property Owner’s Association • Albatross Fleet

Gallop Funeral Home • Quarterdeck Restaurant Conner’s Supermarket • Coastal Animal Clinic

Shore Details • Sound Construction • Island Convenience • Ocean Atlantic Rentals

GOOD NEIGHBOR LEVEL SPONSOR