The Race for the Cure draws a large field and raises money for breast cancer research.
By DAVE THEALL
Published October 3, 2004
ST. PETERSBURG - Saturday's Florida Suncoast Race for the Cure served as both a source of personal satisfaction and inspiration to many of the estimated 10,500 participants.
The proceeds from the sixth annual fundraiser, which started and finished at Straub Park, benefit the Komen Suncoast affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
For women's winner Vicki Jetton of Clearwater, the occasion was particularly poignant.
"I'm ecstatic about my successful race this morning ... and the fact that two of my close friends at Bardmoor Elementary School are breast cancer survivors," said Jetton, a first-grade teacher there. "That makes this event all the more meaningful to me. They (the teachers) are always so strong and positive."
Last year Jetton, then known by her maiden name of Stum, struggled behind St. Petersburg High's Kerry Allen and Eckerd graduate Kim Fagen and finished in 19:06. This year Jetton controlled it from the outset along Beach Drive and won in 17:55.
"I just tried to run my own race with an even pace," Jetton said.
Jetton's plan worked to perfection for her best 5K time this year and seventh overall in the estimated field of 3,250 in the competitive event.
Allen (19:03) was second just ahead of Carol Glasscock (19:24) of St. Pete Beach. Donna Nesslar of Largo (19:31) was fourth overall, first among 40-and-over runners. She finished 11 seconds ahead of Patricia Farese, also 42, of St. Petersburg. Tampa's Lynn Gray won the women's grandmaster (50-plus) award in 23:46.
"I lost a close friend to breast cancer just three months ago," said Gray, a teacher at Jesuit High.
Piledad Cadena of St. Petersburg (23:07) was first in a category for breast-cancer survivors.
The men's race pitted last year's top two in a close race.
Defending champion Tony Teats of Oldsmar led early, but St. Petersburg's Hank Campbell, a professional triathlete, hung close. Campbell bided his time until just past the 2 mile mark where he took a slender lead, only to have Teats surge back past him on North Shore Drive.
But Campbell responded, finishing in 15:45 to win by four seconds.
"I had a more patient plan this year and it worked," Campbell said. "I'm strong right now, doing quality workouts rather than quantity training."
Tampa's Alberto Reyes was third in 17:01, followed by Jim Burgasser of St. Petersburg, 17:20, and Tampa's Rob DeCarlo in 17:28.
Ian Jackson of St. Petersburg was sixth overall, first in the 50-plus category in 17:53, 17 seconds ahead of masters division (40-49) winner Jeff Lessie of Riverview.
Race director Steve Meckfessel said he had weather concerns coming in.
"Everything went well this year despite the recent storms," he said. "We live in a civic-minded community where people really support worthwhile causes that welcome the cooler fall season."
