41st Annual Charlottesville Women's Four Miler Takes Off

Local footrace raises funds for UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center's Breast Care Program while honoring cancer patients and surivors.

Over 1,300 women showed up to walk or run the 41st annual Charlottesville Women’s Four Miler on September 2, 2023. The event is one of the largest footraces in the area and raises funds for UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center's Breast Care Program. Since the inaugural race in 1983, the event has collected over $4 million to support the Breast Care Program's mission of early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of breast disease. Proceeds from the Four Miler have

  • Contributed to the purchase of a mobile mammography unit that travels the roads of Virginia, offering 3D digital mammography, breast ultrasounds, and access to radiologists dedicated to breast imaging
     
  • Increased access to early detection screenings for rural and underserved communities in Southwest Virginia
     
  • Enabled 3-D digital mammograms, which are currently not covered by insurance
     
  • Supported screening mammograms for uninsured and low-income women
     
  • Led to the creation of a patient education video, navigation notebook, and related educational materials for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients
     
  • Funded classes and therapies, including art, exercise, nutrition, and cooking
a group of women running as seen from the start line of the race
Cleo Boyd (bib number 112 above) was the overall winner, finishing the race in 22 minutes and 2 seconds.
two photos show groups of women standing beside
Participants were encouraged to team up with friends, co-workers, and family members. Prizes were awarded to the top three teams.
a group of girls on the UVA rowing team stand side by side for a photo
Members of UVA Women's Rowing were among the groups who participated in this year's race.
three women walking, one holds a poster.

Motivational Mile posters are available for purchase during registration. These posters are customized to feature the names of loved ones who have fought, or are still fighting, breast cancer. They are are displayed along a mile stretch of the course, in what many say is one of the most memorable and unique aspects of the race.  

In June, UVA healthcare experts discussed an innovative breast cancer treatment tool that uses sound waves for non-invasive therapy. The program featured Natasha Sheybani, Ph.D. and David Brenin, MD, Chief of the Division of Breast and Melanoma Surgical Services. See below to view the webinar, Breast Cancer: Innovative Cancer Treatment and Research at UVA.

For more information on the Women's Four Miler, including next year’s race date, please visit the Women’s Four Miler website.

All photos courtesy of Stephanie Lauren Kowalczyk.

To learn how you can support the life-saving work of UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center, please contact Sophia Sjolinder, Associate Director of Development, Cancer Programs, at sophias@virginia.edu or call us at 434.924.8432 or 800.297.0102.

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