500 soldiers ran through Savannah, 1,200 soldiers ran in Iraq

Two continents, one cause: Breast Cancer Awareness

More than 600 soldiers from the 260th Quartermaster Battalion from Hunter Army Air Field ran through the busiest streets in Savannah Wednesday to raise breast cancer awareness.

It is the second year soldiers have run from the base to the Nancy N. and J.C. Lewis Cancer and Research Pavilion at St. Joseph's/Candler.

This year they were joined by 1,200 soldiers in Balad, Iraq, most of who ran in Savannah last year. 

More pictures on Flickr, Facebook and savannahnow.

The event began in 2009 when 1st Lt. Andrea Graham, a week after she joined the battalion as an officer, was diagnosed with breast cancer after a routine self-examination.

After the nearly three-mile run, 100 soldiers proclaimed the name of a breast cancer survivor they ran for.

In 2009, Lt. Col. Lillard Evans and Capt. Alphonso Harrell of the 260th Quartermaster Battalion approached St. Joseph's/Candler about doing something for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Capt. Harrell was inspired by 1st Lt. Andrea Graham, who had just moved into his company as an officer. But a week after she joined, she was diagnosed with breast cancer after a routine self-examination.

The idea of a run from Hunter to the Lewis Cancer & Research Pavilion was born. On that day more than 600 soldiers ran and 100 soldiers proudly told the world of a breast cancer survivor they ran for.

Capt. Harrell was deployed to Iraq, but he wanted to keep the Warrior Run alive.

He mustered 1,200 soldiers to again run for breast cancer awareness, this time in the dust of Iraq.

"It was exciting feeling that we finally got to see the result of all the hard work and preparation for this breast cancer cause, to see all these people come out - it made it all worth the hard work," Capt. Harrell said from his base in Balad, Iraq.

"I'd like to thank everybody for coming out to support Lt. Graham and all the women in the Savannah area and worldwide with breast cancer. I was proud to do my part in spreading the word and getting the information out."