Members of the Virginia rowing team raised more than $5,000 for breast cancer research and awareness by participating in the Charlottesville Women’s Four-Miler this month.
 
The race, Virginia’s largest all-women’s event and a Charlottesville tradition, is a four-mile charity event that supports the UVA Cancer Center Breast Care program. More than 60 members of the Virginia rowing team participated and raised money for the center.
 
“It’s something that we think is important and it has become a great tradition for the team,” coach Kevin Sauer said. “This is our ninth year doing it and we are going to end up donating more than $5,000. The precedent is set. It’s amazing to see some of the things our kids can do.”
 
Virginia’s top three finishers in the race were Summers Nelson (26:18.2), Helen Tompkins (26:29.7) and Claudia Blandford (27:10.2), but in a race benefiting cancer research, Nelson says being a top finisher is not the real reward.
 
“What is amazing about this event is the amount of women who participate or come out to support those who are running,” Nelson said. “To see so many survivors really makes me appreciate my good health and makes me think how lucky I am even to be able to run in the event. It’s so rewarding to know as a team we are contributing to a cause that truly makes an impact in Charlottesville.”