More than 600 runners stood up against cancer and attended nonprofit organization, Chemo Noir’s annual 1-mile race and tasting event on June 15 in Jacksonville Beach.
Chemo Noir hosts wine-themed fundraisers to help raise money for financially struggling cancer patients. This year’s race, held at the Jacksonville Beach Pier and Casa Marina Hotel and Restaurant, raised more than $30,000 — the highest raised yet for the organization.
“It was by far, the best event we had,” said Katrin Casey, founder of Chemo Noir. “We had great music, all the sponsors and all the wine tables were great. We raised the most money than any other event so far. All around, just really successful.”
Runners met at the Jacksonville Beach Pier at 11 a.m. for the race. Famous local team mascots, Fang from the Jacksonville Icemen and Jaxson de Ville from the Jacksonville Jaguars, also attended the race, competing for the title of fastest mascot in the city. Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp mascot, Shrimp Scampi, was also said to attend the race, but was MIA until the wine tasting, placing him in third place.
As runners took their places at the starting line, Casey played “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten in the background to prepare for the emotional run.
“It was one of my mantras,” Casey said.
Casey is a cancer survivor and is going into remission this summer. She created Chemo Noir after being inspired by her off-nights during treatment where she’d relax by having a glass of wine with family or friends. The 1-mile race and tasting event was created in honor of Casey’s stepfather, Mark T. Collins, who helped found Chemo Noir and died from cancer just last year. His initials are marked in every race hat and bib.
“To see hundreds of people out there with his initials on was so special to me and my family. A lot of his family came out, too, and it was just a really nice tribute to one of our most impactful founders. It’s nice that we can carry on a little legacy.”
At the half-mile mark where runners raced back towards the finish line was Tara’s Turn, dedicated to Casey’s good friend Tara Richardson who passed away from brain cancer in January 2016. During their time off treatment, Kat and Tara hosted their own Chemo Noir nights, sipping a little wine and enjoying some rest and relaxation.
Unknown to Casey during the race, a group of Richardson’s friends awaited at her turn and took photos for Tara’s family. Richardson’s soccer team also participated in the race in her honor.
“I just thought that was unbelievable,” Casey said. “Everyone’s out there running because typically, they’re affected by cancer in some way. So to me, that’s one of the most moving things ever.”
After the race, participants headed to Casa Marina for the post-race celebration and wine tasting. Live music, Chemo Noir merchandise, a cash bar and raffles were featured at the event, along with a special live auction where prizes ranged from Jacksonville Jaguar game tickets to Rolling Stones concert tickets.
Looking back at her biggest event yet, Casey said that it was an emotional experience to see everyone who attended and took a spot at the starting line.
“I have so many people to thank,” she said. “We have such an incredible community around us. I think that’s one of the biggest things, seeing all the people out there, and knowing that they’re out there to help other people. It’s unreal.”
Chemo Noir will be the recipient of a Big Fish Yoga event at TopGolf on Aug 2., as well as the nonprofit of the night at the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp game on Aug 8. For more information, visit www.ChemoNoir.com
