KSU & Crystal Blossom Inc. Breast Cancer Awareness Walk/Run

In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Kentucky State University and Crystal Blossom Inc are proud to present the 7th Annual  Crystal Blossom Breast Cancer Awareness 3K Walk/Run at KSU.  This annual event honors the memory of Crystal Jones Woodard, a KSU alumni and beloved daughter, sister, and wife.  We hope you can join us at the event to celebrate Crystal and to support those currently battling breast cancer.

The race course for 2026 will be 8 laps around the Kentucky State University Track for a total of 3200 meters which is just under 2 miles.

Back again for 2026!

• Teams:  Create or join a Team! Be part of something bigger than yourself.  Which KSU group or "Class Of ..." will have the largest team?
• Virtual Walk/Run:  For those who can't make it in person, but would like to participant remotely, we have added a Virtual Walk/Run event this year. Check it out! NOTE: For those staying at the Embassy Suites in Lexington, click here for a suggested route for your virtual run/walk.

• Click here to view the  2024 Course Map 

• 2026 Race Results
• 2025 Race Results
• 2025 Race Results - Virtual
• 2024 Race Results
• 2023 Race Results

Mrs. Crystal Jones Woodard was born to the US Army family of Charles and Billie Jones along with her three sisters and brother in Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. The Army-Brat lifestyle afforded the Jones Family the privilege of experiencing life overseas as well as in the US. After settling in Radcliff, KY, Crystal graduated from North Hardin High School. She attended Kentucky State University, where she received an undergraduate degree in Social Work. Crystal was a cheerleader and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, incorporated. She pursued her graduate degree at Ohio State University, where she received her MSW, and subsequently, her Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) for the state of Kentucky. Crystal began her career at the VA hospital in 1993, and dedicated her life’s work to caring and advocating for military veterans. In 1998, she wed James Woodard and they would enjoy twenty-four years of marriage together until she was laid to rest.

Crystal was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer in 2018 and for the next four years, endured numerous forms of chemotherapy and radiation treatments. While coping with her own health issues, Crystal met, encouraged, and was a natural cheerleader for the community of other women connected around the globe who shared her disease. She identified a need for basic resources for individuals like transportation, proper nutrition, wellness and self-care along with high level needs such as breast cancer studies and genetic testing. Crystal had an ongoing commitment to improving the lives of those diagnosed with and at risk for breast cancer. Our beloved Crystal passed away on July 11, 2022, but her work continues through Crystal Blossom, Inc. and your generous love and support.

Click here to view a video about our beloved Crystal.