The inaugural Duke Medicine Ramblin' Rose Women's Half-Marathon took place Oct. 16, at the American Tobacco Campus in Durham. More than 1,850 women registered to run the 13.1-mile event, either individually or as part of a relay. “For an inaugural half-marathon the response has been incredible,” said Ramblin’ Rose Tour founder Steve Lackey. “The entire Ramblin' Rose Tour is designed to empower and inspire women to participate in an encouraging environment, so we just couldn’t be more pleased or proud.”

Runners started the 13.1-mile course at the American Tobacco Campus and ran up West Main Street in downtown Durham before turning into the historic Trinity Park neighborhood. From there the course entered and crossed the Duke University campus, showcasing tree-lined Campus Drive. Before circling back to the ATC, the course wound through Forest Hills. “This race showcases what our citizens have known all along. Durham is a thoroughly modern city centered around lovely and historic Southern charm,” said Durham Mayor Bill Bell. 

The Duke Cancer Institute (DCI) is the primary beneficiary of the event. DCI, one of only 40 centers in the country designated by the National Cancer Institute as a Comprehensive Cancer Center, integrates and aligns patient care and research with the goals of improving patient outcomes, decreasing the burden of cancer and accelerating scientific progress. DCI is consistently ranked among the best hospitals in the country for cancer care. 

“We are honored to be chosen as the primary beneficiary of this event that celebrates the empowerment of women and community health and wellness,” said Karen Cochran, executive director of development for the DCI. “Ultimately, when race participants donate to the Duke Cancer Fund, their donation supports the work of our scientists and care providers, who share our goal of discovering new ways to treat cancer and providing the most advanced care for our patients.”