Last night was the Stiletto Run, a mercilessly hard .5k charity race down Elmwood Ave. Point Five Kay? Really? Let me explain. These brave ladies and guys did it... in heels. All of this was to benefit Ovarian cancer. Shops stayed open late on the 800 block of Elmwood, donating 10% of their sales to the benefit. Everyone gathered around Shoefly waiting for the race to begin, and at 7Pm, the streets were blocked and all eyes pointed down towards Bidwell as the runners hobbled, skipped, and made their way to the finish line... Some ran in teams, dressed in costumes... Even some men were out to support... Some took it easy, walking with pride and determination... Other barreled down Elmwood, tempting fate and placing faith in their pumps and coordination (I hear Stilettos are no laughing matter)... There was the occasional heel malfunction... And sometimes gravity just happens... But why do we fall? So we can get back up with class... Speaking of class... Oh, this is why people were running to ShoeFly: the blue martini! Who's crazy idea was this? Sue Marfino! Adam Wilson from Celebrate Buffalo also helped to organize the Stiletto Run, and the money went to the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance, who are working on new drugs to help treat and eradicate difficult types of ovarian cancer. Sponsers of the race (whether by staying open late, to donating prizes and other support) include:

• ShoeFly
• Celebrate Buffalo T-shirts
• Clutch
• DeLish: wine and beer
• Juniper: yummy food
• Lexington Coop- refreshments
• Abraham's Jewelers
• Lotions & Potions: back and hand massages
• Spoiled Rotten
• Anna Grace
• Splash Pannic
• City Love Clothing
• Can Can Candy
• Sai One
• Annie Adams Jewelery
• Abrahams Jewelers
• Miz Mooz shoes
• John Fluevog Shoes
• Seychelles/BC Footwear
• Matisse Shoes
• Coconuts Shoes
• Anna Grace
• Juniper restaurant
• Dipson Theaters
• OPLUSD Cards
• Poetic Licence shoes
• Sugar Shoes
• Lisa Mansback Associates for K.Bell socks
• Celebrate Buffalo
• ShoeFly
• Clutch
• Block Club Magazine

You can check out the rest of my photos from the Stiletto Run on flickr.

Buffalo, N.Y. – The 2nd annual Stiletto Run, hosted by Elmwood shoe store, ShoeFly and Celebrate Buffalo Inc., will take place on Wednesday, June 24 at 7:00 p.m. Registration starts at 5:30 p.m. A portion of the event proceeds to benefit The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance. Pre-registration for the event is $25 or $30 on the day of the event. The Stiletto Run welcomes all fun shoe wearers, whether you are a walker or a runner. In order to be eligible for placing prizes, runners must be registered and complete the race in a shoe with a minimum heel height of three inches. First, second, and third place prizes will be awarded to the first three to cross the finish line. Sue Marfino, owner of ShoeFly/Clutch, started The Stiletto Run in 2008. This year Marfino partnered with Celebrate Buffalo owner, Adam Wilson to form The Stiletto Run LLC to help grow the event in 2009 and beyond. Marfino says, “The Stiletto Run brings people down to the Elmwood Village to support a great cause which affects thousands of women in the U.S. each year [ovarian cancer]. The event also separates itself from the rest - it’s not every day that you get to see both men and women running a race in high heels!” According to The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance’s website, “Each year, approximately 20,000 American women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer and about 15,000 women die of the disease. In 2008, it is estimated that 21,650 women in the United States will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer and 15,520 women will die from the disease.” The race starts at the corner of Bidwell Avenue and Elmwood Avenue and ends in front of ShoeFly and Delish Bakery on Elmwood. The race is limited to 300 runners/walkers, however, onlookers are invited to cheer on participants and join in the after-party for great food, music and drinks provided by Elmwood Avenue vendors. Several stores and restaurants between the Auburn and Lafayette block of Elmwood will also be staying up late and giving 10% of their sales to Ovarian Cancer cause along with all funds donated online. For additional information about The Stiletto Run, participating store locations, or to register, visit www.stilettorun.org or stop by ShoeFly at 801 Elmwood Avenue, Buffalo, NY. Donations are also accepted through the website. Volunteers for the event are also needed, if interested e-mail, shoeflyny@verizon.net.