Two weekends ago, I finally carved out some time for a race, and I am pleased to say that it was the annual March To Get Screened 5K.
About March To Get Screened
The March to Get Screened is the fundraising 5K hosted by the Borland Groover Foundation. Its purpose is to support conversation and education around colon cancer, involving the detection and treatment of this terrible disease. I am proud to have been involved with this race since 2014, and I have watched the race evolve and develop over the years. From the beach, to Riverside, to the Borland Groover endoscopy center in Durbin, I am always happy to represent in blue.
Race Morning
For the first time ever, I had to register for the event on race morning, and I was stressed. I was the first runner in the parking lot at around 6:30 AM, and I took myself on a little walk while I waited for the registration table to be set up and ready. While there were some hiccups, I was one of the first to register that morning, paid in cash (no service fees!) and received my bib. The shirt would have to wait until after the race to ensure they had enough for everyone that pre-registered. No problem.
Waiting For The Start
I took myself on a little stroll around the start line while I waited for the race to start. It was so muggy and warm, a drastic change from all the winter we had been having, and I didn’t love that, but what can you do? The parking lot of the Borland Groover Center was perfect for the set up of the different vendors and organizations, although there wasn’t tons of room for runner parking: I was lucky to have a spot, but most people had to park down the street at the local school and park.
With all that, there was plenty of time for photo opps, and I even ran into a friend who is a survivor. I was so proud of her for making it out!
At The Start
The race started pretty much on time. There were plenty of people lined up in support of the cause, and the energy was great, in spite of the heat. While there were about 1000 participants, the crowd thinned out pretty quickly and we got underway. The poop medals awaited!
Miles 1 – 3.1
The course looped through two neighborhoods in the Durbin Crossing area. Everything was really well marked, and it was all flat and fine, but… The course was wide open. I’ve run plenty of races with a lane marked off for runners, and LEO at intersections, but this was not the case. There was one police officer at an intersection with a traffic light, but other than that, we were on our own with vehicular traffic. In fairness, the roads were fairly quiet, but not every driver was super keen on being patient with the runners. I didn’t love that. Also worth noting, the course was just a bit short.
The Finish Line
My performance was fairly lackluster with the humidity, but I crossed the finish line with a smile. How can you not, surrounded by such inspiration and hope? I didn’t have a lot of time, but I wanted to enjoy the after party for a few!
At The After Party
Borland Groover does it right! There was plenty of music, and two food trucks offering complimentary breakfast to the runners! So nice! I was able to snag an egg, bacon, and cheese breakfast burrito, which was perfect with a super crispy hash brown.
Final Thoughts
I always love this race, no matter where it’s located. This year’s venue was not quite as exciting as Jax Beach or Riverside, but it was a nice space with plenty of room for all the tables, banners, and festivities. It was also nice that things were closer to home – it’s not often I have that privilege. I also love how much March To Get Screened is leaning into the poop emoji – it goes over really well. Of course, I do wish the course felt a little safer, but I’m sure the organization will work with the feedback and make it even better in 2026! I hope I can run it again next year!
Have you ever run in support of colon cancer? What do you think of the poop emoji bling?
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YAY for a poop medal!
If raising awareness can come with breakfast burritos and cheeky medal, I say that’s a win. I always appreciate how you tell it like it is—sharing both the logistical bumps and the heart behind the event. Your love for this race really comes through.
Let’s hope they will tweak the traffic setup next year!
They definitely need a better location. I don’t mind a dedicated lane with cars on the other side of cones or other barricade, but this was just every runner and car for themselves. I know this year’s switch had to do with some construction, so hopefully, that will be over and it can go back to Riverside like it used to be.
Great job! That is an awesome medal! Registering on race morning can be so stressful. Im glad it all worked out!
I hated it! It worked out and I didn’t even have to pay the processing fee because I had cash, but I was so anxious about it.
What a great cause. And of course, a food truck after. Why not?
I personally am sick of medals… we don’t often get them for less than a half marathon. I agree with that. What do you do with them??
But that is a cute one.
Congrats on another race.
Haha! I still love medals. I have some racks in the corner of my room and that’s where they go.
And who could turn down this one?
Most of the races around here are open roads like that, and it’s pretty scary! Great job staying safe out there! The poop medals are brilliant! It’s great to have a little fun while spreading an important message.
Some of the team names are so creative – the “Turd-les” comes to mind. I guess you have to laugh so you don’t cry.
This was probably one of the more unsafe courses I’ve been on. I hope they are able to get back to a safer location.
I have not run a race this year! And I’ve barely been running but I got 3 miles today. I like the option to choose if you want a medal or not.
The weather here in the Orlando area has been beautiful this month! And dry – humidity wise and very little rain.
Have you ever considered organizing a 5k yourself? 🙂 I bet you’d create a great signature event!
Orlando can get so humid.
I would love to organize a 5K. However, I am TERRIBLE about that kind of thing. I want to present the idea, and then work on the details. I don’t want to talk to anyone about sponsorships or permits, or any of that. I”m a fantastic implementer and work horse. I just hate the business side of it.