Healdsburg’s Barbara Recchia hoping to reschedule annual event
After 15 years and over a million dollars raised in the fight against cancer, Barb’s Race is looking for a new home.
The only all-women’s half triathlon distance contest in the world, the race is named for Healdsburg resident Barbara Recchia, a longtime Vineman volunteer, organizer, and two-time cancer survivor who has championed a remarkable fundraising effort through the years.
Previously run as part of the Vineman series of races, Barb’s Race was dealt a crushing blow earlier this year when Ironman Triathlon bought the rights to the Vineman brand, with no plans to reschedule the event.
“It’s very sad and disappointing to me as we have lost a way to provide support to people in our community with a cancer diagnosis,” Recchia said. “I’m working with another group that wants to keep it going at a different venue but that will probably not happen until next year. And, unfortunately, Ironman will not let us use the name Barb’s Race or provide us with past participant lists.”
Last year the race eclipsed the magical million dollar mark in total monies raised, with most funds being contributed to local organizations which provide support services for people with a cancer diagnosis. Roughly two thirds of the funds have been donated to Sutter’s Institute for Health and Healing (previously Integrative Health & Healing Services) that offers physical, emotional and spiritual care and comfort for cancer patients to relieve the effects of their treatment.
Barb’s Race began at Johnson’s Beach in Guerneville with a 1.2-mile swim, continued with a 56-mile bike ride through Sonoma County, and ended with a 13.1-mile half-marathon, finishing up at Windsor High School.
Last year some 163 women crossed the finish line in the 15th Barb’s Race, as 42 year-old Liza Rachetto of Los Altos captured her fourth straight title.
The Vineman series of races is already underway, beginning with the Monte Rio Triathlon on May 22. Next up is the Ironman Vineman 70.3 on July 10, followed by the grueling Full Vineman Triathlon on July 30.
Ironman Triathlon did not respond to a request for comment by press time.
