We’ve chronicled the struggle and triumph of Katie Sutton, winner of the 2007 St. Patrick’s Day run and 2006 GO! half-marathon, who was diagnosed last summer with breast cancer. She made her return to running at this year’s St. Pat’s 5-miler, finishing in about 35 minutes.

Her comeback continues, spectacularly. Katie was the first survivor to cross the line two weeks ago in the Washington, DC, Race for the Cure, finishing in 20 minutes 40 seconds. Her inspirational, insightful and witty training log contains the following account of her trip to the winner’s podium:

“I got to give a lovely TV interview (of course it was about 45 seconds after I finished while I was still panting and covered in sweat) and I got to go through the VIP area and be introduced on stage at the awards ceremony. I didn’t know how I would take the whole Komen experience and I found it very moving and all of the women in pink were inspiring. Plus, this race was big time - Condoleezza Rice was the starter, Cynthia Nixon from ‘Sex and the City’ was there as a survivor, and Vanessa Carlton provided the music. I tried to convince them to let me meet Condi, but I was told she was already gone. Cynthia Nixon was nowhere to be found, and Vanessa Carlton walked right past me. Most famous entity I got to interact with was Vince, Vanessa Carlton’s dog…”

Well, the local organizers can’t promise Vanessa Carlton or even her dog, but don’t be surprised if Sutton puts up a fight again. She reports that training has been intense, so she’s not sure that she’ll go all out, but adds, “if there are any pink shirts within striking distance….they are going to have to put up a good fight.”
The field in DC was estimated at 45,000. The local race is expected to exceed 65,000, with more than 4,000 survivors.
So an early tip of the pink cap to Sutton and all the survivors who will walk or run Saturday. Another tip to the rest of the participants, who will walk or run in honor of a survivor or in memory of a life cut short by breast cancer.