Wacoans to stampede through town in stilettos

A man celebrates as he crosses the finish line while his fellow runners push themselves to the end in the 2012 Stiletto Stampede. (Courtesy Photo)
A man celebrates as he crosses the finish line while his fellow runners push themselves to the end in the 2012 Stiletto Stampede.  (Courtesy Photo)
A man celebrates as he crosses the finish line while his fellow runners push themselves to the end in the 2012 Stiletto Stampede.
(Courtesy Photo)

By Karina Samudio
Contributor

Ladies and gentlemen, get ready to strap on your stilettos because a stampede is coming to town.

Registration for the Stiletto Stampede begins today.

The event will take place on April 27 at Heritage Square to help educate and raise awareness about breast cancer.

Unlike other breast cancer organizations, however, the Stiletto Stampede seeks to educate the public in a slightly eccentric manner. The event centers on several races that push the use of stiletto heels and as much pink clothing that one can wear.

Nicole Pape, the executive director of the Stiletto Stampede, said she was more than excited to come back to Waco.

“We are thrilled to be back in Waco, as it was our highest participant level for an individual city,” Pape said. “We hope to top that number this year and are excited to continue our event in Waco.”

Although the Stampede has been around since 2009, this is only the second annual Stiletto Stampede to be held in Waco. Last year the event gathered more than 200 participants and was able to raise $2,500 for the Central Texas affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Alexis Kriticos, the marketing coordinator of the Stampede, is optimistic about an even bigger turnout than last year.

“The Stiletto Stampede supports such a fantastic cause and it’s amazing to see our organization grow and flourish each year with a loyal following of participants and supporters,” Kriticos said.

The Stiletto Stampede isn’t just for the ladies, though. The Stampede has various events that the whole family can take part in, such as the Stroller Stampede for the kids and the Men’s Heat, which not only supports men to participate, but encourages the use of stilettos.

Registration is $30 for an individual and $55 for two people. People can register at www.stilettostampede.org.