Story by Carolyn Wright
Local firefighters prove they are tough enough to wear pink by participating in El Paso's 18th Annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure (Photo by Carolyn Wright).
Thousands of survivors, friends and family members gathered at Cohen Stadium earlier this month to participate in El Paso’s 18th annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in an effort to raise money to find a cure for breast cancer.
“It was mind-blowing to see that many people. It shows that we really can get together and make a difference,” said Mary Elizabeth Bowyer, a freshman at NMSU who participated in the Race.
Thousands of participants registered for either a competitive or non-competitive 5k race, which kicked off at 8:30 a.m. Sunday. Racers could register either as teams or individuals, both of which raised money for the cause.
Participants who have survived breast cancer sported a pink bib, while all other participants wore either a yellow or white bib.
Racers outside Cohen Stadium flood the street, marching for a cure for breast cancer. (Photo by Stephanie Alexander)
“Seeing a literal sea of people marching for the cause was really amazing,” NMSU freshman Molly Murphy said.
Local participants raised over $3 million for this year’s Race. Twenty-five percent of the money raised will go toward the Komen for the Cure Award and other research grant programs. The remaining 75 percent of money raised will stay in the local area in order to fund breast health education, screening and treatment projects.
According to the Global Breast Cancer Movement, one million people will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year alone.
“Being [at the race] to represent my cousin, even though she wasn’t there with us, was the best part about participating in the race for me personally,” NMSU junior Katie Castle said. Castle’s cousin was diagnosed with breast cancer in the summer of 2009.
The Race for the Cure in El Paso began 18 years ago with 400 participants. This year, the number swelled to an overwhelming 16,000.
More information can be found at Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.
Participants for the non-competitive race kick off the 5k at 8:30 on Sunday morning. (Photo by Carolyn Wright)
Race for the Cure Milestones
1983 – First Race in Dallas, Texas with 800 participants
1986 – First Race outside of Dallas held in Peoria, IL, the birthplace of Susan G. Komen
1990 – First co-ed Race in Wichita, KS. First National Race for the Cure in Washington, DC.
1991 – First pink ribbons were distributed to recognize breast cancer survivors at the Susan G. Komen New York City Race for the Cure. First local Race in El Paso, Texas.
1995 – Race events were held in 57 cities in the United States.
2000 – First Race event outside of the United States is held in Costa Rica. The National Race for the Cure becomes the largest registered 5k in the world.
2002 – More than 1.3 million people participated in more than 100 Races around the U.S. and in two foreign countries.
2003 – 25th anniversary of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.
