The Vineman Cancer Charities Fund was established in the year 2001. Barb’s Race, an all women’s half Ironman distance triathlon, was established in that year as the major source of funding for Vineman Cancer Charities.

Barb's Race was started in honor of Barbara Recchia, a long-time Vineman volunteer and race committee member who has twice been faced with the daunting task of fighting cancer. She has taken this challenge head-on and is currently living a full and healthy life. If you need a little inspiration to prepare for finishing a half Ironman, all you have to do is look Barb's way. If Barb can beat cancer, then what's the big deal about finishing a half Ironman?!

Since the first Barb's Race in 2001 we have raised more than $213,000 for the Vineman Cancer Charities Fund. Most of the money raised is a result of entry fees for Barb's Race, of which 50% is donated to this fund. Additional monies are raised through athlete fundraising as well as donations from friends and family members of this event and all of the other Vineman Triathlon events. Over the last six years, the Vineman Cancer Charities Fund has contributed to cancer research, to fight breast cancer and for cancer support services. Some of the organizations we have donated to are the Sutter Breast Care Center and the Cancer Library and Health Resource Center here in Sonoma County, as well as The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Commonweal and UCSF for research into women's cancers.

You can help us do more this year. We invite and encourage all Vineman and Barb’s Race participants to raise funds for Vineman Cancer Charities or to make a donation. Athlete’s who raise $1000 or more qualify for a pair of Avia running shoes. We appreciate all donations from supporters of our racers and events.