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Sports Backers Blog

Running For Her Life

10k Training Team coach Mary Anne Williams turned to running to deal with the stress of a cancer diagnosis, and it has opened doors to a world of fun, friendship, and achievement.

By: McKenzie Vergara


Coming off of a breast cancer diagnosis at age 47, Mary Anne Williams needed an outlet to help deal with stress. That’s when she rediscovered the joy of running.

“One of the most difficult parts of dealing with cancer is the waiting,” Williams said. “Waiting for a diagnosis, a prognosis, and a treatment plan.”

Before cancer, Williams had put running on the back burner. Though she ran competitively in high school and a little through college to stay fit, running wasn’t part of her life anymore. However, once she received her diagnosis, she remembered how running made her feel. 

“It helped me regain a sense of control over my body which I felt I had lost during this process,” Williams explained. 

Williams continued running up until her surgery date and knew it was the start to her running career. Once she completed her radiation treatment, she signed up for her first race as a way to fight her battle and celebrate her life. The first race was difficult, but the feeling she got after crossing the finish line with her co-worker Steve was unforgettable.

“As we crossed the finish line volunteers hung finisher’s medals around our neck. Oh what a feeling- the joy, relief, sense of accomplishment,” Williams said. “I was hooked!” 

After finishing that first race, Williams heard about the YMCA 10k Training Team associated with the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k and decided to join. It was there that she met John and Lisa Burton, the Chester YMCA 10k Training Team intermediate coaches, who inspired their athletes and inspired Williams. 

Mary Anne Williams during the 2013 Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k

“They have a real love and enthusiasm for running and enjoy sharing it with others,” said Williams. 

While training for the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k, Williams logged some of her longest runs, and after completing the 10k, there was no stopping her. Not only has Williams run several half marathons, but she has completed two marathons, including the Boston Marathon in 2012. 

Due to all of her hard work and commitment, Williams qualified last year as a member of Team USA for the USAT Duathalon (run-bike-run) World Age Group Championships in Ottawa, Canada. Competing in red, white and blue was an honor for Williams and another milestone on her post-recovery journey.

Williams has been hooked on the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k ever since her first experience in the race. It has become her favorite event, and it holds a special place in her heart. She and her husband Mike also have a close relationship with the VCU Massey Cancer Center, the official charitable partner of the event. Not only did the Massey Cancer Center fight her battle with her, but Mike was treated for prostate cancer at Massey as well.

“I believe that Mike and I are alive today due in part to the innovative cancer research done at institutions like Massey,” said Williams.

Since her training team experiences had been so positive, when the opportunity to coach the Chester YMCA 10K Training Team arose, Williams jumped right on it. Because of the impact her 10k coaches had on her, she was eager to share that gift with others. 

“I feel like my 10K training coaches opened a door for me,” Williams said, “to a world of fun, friendship, achievement, and adventure that I might never have known existed.”

Registration for the March 29 Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k and Virginia 529 Kids Run is available at www.sportsbackers.org. The 2014 Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k will accept the first 40,000 entries. 

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