Thousands come out for Denver's Race for the Cure

  

The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Denver is known to bring out record numbers of participants and this year was no exception.  Over 55,000 people participated in the 19^th annual race.  Participants include past survivors and their families, those currently battling breast cancer and many other people who are just hoping to make a small difference by pledging their money and their time to a good cause. 

The statistics on breast cancer are quite staggering.  According to Komen for the Cure over 39,000 women will die of breast cancer in the United States this year and they say every 1 in 7 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the state of Colorado in their lifetime.  Colorado has a higher incidence rate of breast cancer.

With these kinds of statistics it is no wonder that so many people want to walk or run for such a great cause. 

There are several race options for anybody who is looking to participate in the event.  At 7:00 AM there is a 5K-inspiration run and you see people both walking and running in this opening leg of the race.  This race includes many breast cancer survivors and people who are currently fighting breast cancer. Then at 8:00 AM there is a 5K-celebration walk.  At 9:00 AM there is a 1-mile family walk where anyone who cannot do the 5K run can join in the festivities.  Many families join this leg of the race with their young children either walking with them or pushing them in strollers.  The morning concludes at 10:15 AM with a survivor’s celebration ceremony.  The race begins and ends at the Pepsi Center located on Speer Blvd and the route has remained the same for several years.  If none of the above options is enough to get you out of bed early on a Sunday morning you now have the option of to Sleep in for the Cure.  You register just as you would for the general race and receive a t-shirt.  The only difference is that you will still be in bed while many other people are out running.

Upon arrival at the race you are immediately drawn to a see of pink and white.  General entrants receive a white racing t-shirt and survivors are designated with pink t-shirts.  Whether you are a survivor, a supporter, or someone who is currently battling breast cancer you cannot help but be overwhelmed with the sense that everyone in attendance is there with one goal in mind and that is to help and support someone else.  Ione Montoya who is a breast cancer survivor herself says that she comes out to do the race every year with her granddaughter.  She says, “it reminds me how far I’ve come and how much I can still do to help women who are struggling with this disease.”  This is a truly inspirational event.