On October 8, the town of New Market held its annual Fighter 5k.
This event is held every year in downtown New Market in an effort to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer. All profits from the event are sent to the Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund, partnered with Frederick Health Hospital Cancer Center.
The town of New Market has a personal connection when it comes to breast cancer. Late New Market Town Clerk of 14 years and friend of many in town, Karen Durbin, fought a long battle with breast cancer before passing away in November 2020. This event is held in memory of her.
The 3.1 mile trail wraps around historic New Market and through adjacent neighborhoods.
The race, however, was only one part of the town event. Following the run, there was a fundraising event at The Derby, a restaurant in town. The Derby donated 10% of all proceeds from noon until close to the New Market STRONG event.
Linganore senior Logan Terry was a race participant.
“It was awesome to see how many people came out and supported the cause even in the early, cold morning,” Terry said.
This year, a large group came together with pink shirts labeled ‘Wallich Strong’. The shirts honored Trisha Wallich, a well known Linganore parent of two seniors, Reese and Trey Wallich.
Trisha Wallich was honored as she is currently battling breast cancer.
Many Linganore athletes, boosters and friends of the Wallich family came together to run and raise awareness in support of the Wallichs.
Linganore senior Grace Booth said, “It was so special to see so many people come together for the Wallichs … It shows the family we have here at Linganore.”
The race was ulimately a success and met its goal of bringing breast cancer awareness. There were just under 100 participants in the race and even more spectators and volunteers.
“The Derby was packed full of people in pink,” said Booth.
The second part of the event that took place at The Derby was just as successful, raising significant funds to go towards cancer research and care.
Anyone wanting to get involved in the New Market community can find more information on events at Town of New Market
On October 15, there is also an upcoming breast cancer awareness walk in Mount Airy at Watkins Park.
