The annual Chemo Noir One Mile & Wine Tasting event is earlier on the calendar than it ever has been as it has moved from summer to spring and is scheduled for April 19.
“I’ve always wanted to do the event in the spring, but it’s tricky because it really is like two events in one, and spring is really wedding season, so it can be tough to find the available space,” said Kat Casey, founder of Chemo Noir.
Chemo Noir is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and it will be the ninth year of the run and wine tasting, which according to Casey, has really established itself as the marquee event for the nonprofit.
“We do galas and partner with groups and ever dollar we raise is so special to the cause, but this event has definitely become our signature event,” Casey said.
The event always has a fun atmosphere surrounding it its unique format that has led it to being known as the classiest one-mile fun run event locally.
However, this year it has an even more special meaning with it being the 10th anniversary of the organization, and the theme of event will be “cheers to 10 years,” and will include a tribute video being played at some point.
According to Casey, it has been such joy to watch the support from the community grow throughout the years and as a result the number of people battling cancer that they have been able to help provide much needed financial support has continued to increase as well.
“This past year we were able to help fund 80 people, which was the most we’ve ever done, and to still remain completely local is very important to me,” Casey said. “What we do is heavy at times, but it feels very rewarding when you can give back like that.”
After her own battle with cancer, Casey knew she wanted to give back and that was the idea behind Chemo Noir’s creation.
“We’ve been a resource to social workers when they have no where else to turn, which is something I didn’t expect when we started this, but it’s been a big help for them,” Casey said.
The run will begin near Jacksonville Beach Pier on a course that will be half a mile out and another half a mile back to the start/finish line.
As has been a tradition for years now, the half mile turn will be dedicated to Tara Newton Richardson, who was one of the very first Chemo Noir supporters and friends, and it will include a cheering section and water station known as “Tara’s Turn.”
There will be a festive wine tasting event along with sponsor vendors, live music and raffles at the Casa Marina Hotel courtyard, and medals from the race will also be handed out.
The race check-in will begin at 8 a.m. with the race set to start at 9 a.m. followed by the tasting event from 9:30 a.m. to noon.
Anyone interested in being part of the race can register by going to www.chemonoirrace.com to register and for more details.
