- When: 10/21/2023
- QIC: Hat Trick
Heartbreak to Healing Bridge Challenge
PRE-BLAST
Our northeast Florida community has been struck by heartbreak over the past three years at the hands of a rare form of cancer called cholangiocarcinoma. Those we have lost left lasting impacts on those who knew and love them, including John Leeds AKA Jersey Devil’s wife Emily Leeds and our beloved Nant’an, Jeff McCrea (AKA Heisenberg). The journey toward healing is a lifelong effort, one that takes action, commitment and perseverance. In honor of our loved ones, the men of F3 Jacksonville are putting on the Heartbreak to Healing Bridge Challenge on Saturday, October 21st, 2023, and raising money for the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation.
The Heartbreak to Healing Bridge Challenge involves running, rucking, or walking 1.3 miles each way over the Palm Valley Bridge in Ponte Vedra, Florida. The journey over the bridge signifies the action, commitment and perseverance required for the healing process. Healing is part individual and part communal. Each participant chooses how many laps to run over the bridge, be it 2.6 miles or 26.2 miles. There will be many others along the route participating, encouraging and cheering for those on the journey.
Cholangiocarcinoma is a highly lethal and rare cancer of the bile ducts with a poor prognosis. It is often diagnosed at advanced stages when treatment is only minimally effective, emphasizing the imminent need for novel therapies.
Although relatively rare, with approximately 10,000 people diagnosed each year in the US, the incidence of cholangiocarcinoma is growing. A recent study estimates that by 2040, liver and bile duct cancer will be the third deadliest cancer in the US. Given this, raising money for research and advocacy efforts is an urgent matter, which inspired the creation of the Heartbreak to Healing Bridge Challenge.
Founded in 2006, the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation (CCF) is a global 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Its mission is to find a cure and improve the quality of life for those affected by bile duct cancer. For more information about the foundation and to make a donation please visit https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/CCFCHAMPIONS/team/HeartbreakBridge
RACE DETAILS
Location: Beneath the west side of the Palm Valley Bridge on State Road 210 in Ponte Vedra, FL.
Start Times
• Marathoners: 4:30am
• Half marathon: 5:30am
• Convergence (west side of the bridge): 7:00am
F3 PAX around the nation, find a bridge or a hill and join us virtually!