Thousands of San Diegans turned out Sunday, November 2, to run on behalf of the Susan G. Komen breast cancer organization.
The race was the 18th such event, known as the ‘Race for the Cure’. In San Diego, 13,000 racers, wearing the organization's signature pink, wound through Balboa Park for a distance of 1.3 miles.
Many runners were there to support the cause, others were breast cancer survivors, and still others raced in memory of those lost to the disease. Gaylene Henderson walked to honor her mother, while Alma Martinez, a two-time breast cancer survivor, took part on her own behalf.
Before the race, a ceremony was held to honor the survivors, which included Lorraine Hutchinson, who is the Deputy Chief of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department.
The Komen organization has begun holding the annual races raise money to help cancer patients with their finances so they can focus on getting well. Sunday, the race raised approximately $1.3m, with 75¢ on the dollar going directly to women in San Diego.
Race organizers could work with brochure printers to create a booklet to be put in racks in hotels, libraries, hospitals, and other public places. This could detail the race, explaining Komen's mission, and asking people to consider running and donating next year.
