Hundreds pop up at pumpkins 5K

SANDUSKY — The North Coast Healthcare Collaborative — which consists of Firelands Health, the Bellevue Hospital, Fisher-Titus and Magruder Hospital — hosted its annual Save Your Pumpkins 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, Oct. 4 in Sandusky. More than 600 people participated in a "vibrant display of community support for breast cancer awareness and patients across the north coast region," according to an event statement. "The inspiring morning featured a sea of pink — from race shirts to tutu — as cancer survivors, dedicated runners and families gathered to race through downtown Sandusky," it added. Top finishers for the 5K included: • Isiah Johnson earned first-place honors in the male division, finishing in 17 minutes and 50 seconds. • Nikki Hintze earned first-place honors in the female division, finishing in 20 minutes and 4 seconds. Proceeds from the 5K will be equally split between the foundations at each of the North Coast Healthcare Collaborative health systems. October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and this 5K event takes place each year in October. According to Ohio.gov, 1 in eight women in the U.S. who live to be age 85 will develop breast cancer. The collaborative and those representing it encourage people to regularly receive screenings and check-ups for breast cancer. People can learn more and donate by visiting firelands.com/pumpkins.