Breast Cancer Takes Runner from Relay, but Ragnar Spirit Prevails

Phoenix, AZ | March 23, 2007 - Starting March 30th runners will begin a 189-mile adventure that will start in Wickenburg and end in Scottsdale. Teams of 12 will blaze through spectacular Arizona scenery, each team member running three legs, each leg ranging between 3–8 miles and varying in difficulty. The course will be alive with painted vans, costumed runners, and cheering spectators. For most it will be an adventure; a wild overnight party with 11 good friends. But for one team, Runnin’ Ragged, it will be a mission, a dedication to a dear friend, and an inspiration to all who know their story.

Six months ago, Tonsa Price-Edwards heard about the Ragnar Relay Del Sol presented by NordicTrack. She couldn’t think of anything better than participating in this wild 189-mile, 12-team mate, 24-hour, relay adventure from Wickenburg to Scottsdale.

Immediately she thought of her friend and running buddy Krista LaPan. A simple email and Krista was in. A few more emails from each women and a team of 12 was ready to rock. They came up with the team name Runnin’ Ragged and began training. Team Runnin’ Ragged consists of 6 men & 6 women ranging in age from 29 to 50.

On February 22, after months of training and preparation for the Ragnar Relay Del Sol Price-Edwards was diagnosed with Breast Cancer.

“It came without warning, without mercy, and without regard,” Price-Edwards said. “It ignored the reality that I have no risk factors, have been an avid runner and actively support the Susan G. Komen foundation. It came and brought with it a dazzling array of new terms, new tests, new doctors, and new fears. Breast cancer came and it took Ragnar.”

News that their team captain had been diagnosed with breast cancer and would not be able to compete alongside them came as a brutal shock to team Runnin’ Ragged.

“I actually cried as I read the email,” LaPan said. “I've known of people sick with cancer, but I've never been close to one, so I guess it was just kind of shocking to me. In that instant our reasons for running this race completely changed. We decided to do this race because Tonsa asked us to! Now, we have decided to run in her honor.”

Price-Edwards could not be more appreciative of her teams support.

“Breast cancer, in all of its rage, will prove to be no match for me and those who now will step to the start line in my honor. Breast cancer could not have anticipated how strong the bond between a band of runners truly is. No, I won’t be running the Ragnar Relay instead I’ll be crossing a different finish line as I deliver a personal record in the race for my life.”

Team Runnin’ Ragged has set up a fund in the name of Tonsa. Funds received will benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation. If you would like to donate to the fund visit: www.active.com/donate/donatefortonsa.

For more information on the Ragnar Relay Del Sol visit www.ragnarrelay.com.