Local women to fight 'firkin' cancer

A group of local women who've dubbed themselves The Pink Totties have teamed up with the The Firkin & Fox and other businesses to put on a 5k breast cancer fundraiser.

The Pink Totties Cancer Firkin Sucks walk/run will be held Aug. 1. Proceeds will benefit the Breast Cancer 3 Day, a 60-mile walk in different cities across the U.S., and the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

The Pink Totties began participating in the 3 Day in 2007.

"This year, we're walking 60 miles in Washington, D.C., in October," said Heidi McFadden, co-captain of the team. "We walk 20 miles a day and sleep in two-man tents at night. We sleep together, eat together and walk together."

To participate, each member must raise $2,300, a cost McFadden said is worth the reward.

"The last five miles of this walk is lined with supporters, survivors and families," she said. "It's an emotional and wonderful experience."

McFadden hopes to raise more than enough money for the team to participate in this year's 3 Day walk.

"Our goal is to raise more than $25,000 for the cause, and we want this 5k to become an annual event in Carson City," she said.

Participants can run, walk or crawl.

"We have timing and awards set up for our serious runners, but we also want to make it fun," she said. "The Pink Totties have some great raffle prizes, and even some prizes for those who want to come dressed in their craziest running gear. It would be funny to see some runners out there from past decades or just other crazy costumes."

Entertainment will include music from Chris Mackenzie, John and Mike Griffin and other members of Red Dugen's Ramblers.

There will be food and drinks from The Firkin & Fox and other Third Street businesses along with the farmers market.

The cost to run is $35, or $30 per person for a team of eight or more before July 25.

"The teams would be great for businesses to show their support, or if you are running as a family team to support a loved one," McFadden said.

Mayor Bob Crowell will start the race.