October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. One of the major fundraising and awareness events run by Komen for the Cure is the Race for the Cure.
One thing that makes the Komen Race for the Cure stand out? Race for the Cure is not just an American event. The Komen.org website lists Race for the Cure events in eleven different countries, including Egypt, Italy, Puerto Rico, Switzerland, and Tanzania.
Race for the Cure is a chance to raise funds for breast cancer research and awareness, celebrate survivors, and honor those who have lost their battle with the disease. The Komen.org forums are full of stories from the walkers — why they’re doing it, who inspired them, and more.
Each race is a five kilometer (approximately 3.1 miles) run/walk. It is open to people of all ages and fitness levels, and all courses are certified by USA Track and Field.
The first Race for the Cure was held in Dallas, Texas. This was the only location for the Race until 1986, when a Race for the Cure was held in Peoria, Illinois — the birthplace of Susan G. Komen. By 1995, the Race was being held in fifty-seven cities across the United States. 1998 saw the Race go international, with a Race for the Cure in Costa Rica.
In the year 2000, more than a million people participated in a Race for the Cure event.
Race for the Cure has some pretty huge sponsors. Their National Presenting Sponsor is Yoplait, who also runs the Save Lids to Save Lives campaign — for each pink yogurt lid mailed in, Yoplait will donate money to support Komen for the Cure. Other sponsors include American Airlines, Ford, Coldwater Creek, Motts Applesauce, and New Balance Shoes. It’s a pretty impressive list… but breast cancer is a pretty important cause.
The Portland, OR Race for the Cure has already passed (it was in September), but I’m definitely keeping it in mind for 2010.