The biggest annual fundraiser for breast cancer research in Iowa will take place Saturday in Des Moines. The Susan Komen Race for the Cure starts at 9 a.m. near the State Capitol. Diane Farris is one of the organizers and says more people than ever are scheduled to participate.
"We have over 23,000 people currently signed up for the race, more are signing up today at packet pick-up and possibly more tomorrow at the race," Farris said. Last year’s event involved just over 21,000 participants.
The race attracts people from all across Iowa and the Midwest. Each person pays a pre-registration fee of 2$20. Registration on the day of the race is $25. Farris says this year’s event should raise a little more than $500,000 toward breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment. Everyone that takes part in the 5k run, 1 mile walk or kids race receives a free t-shirt.
"Those shirts are not paid for with the race registration (fee) – all of that money goes directly toward our mission," Farris said. "We have national sponsors that pay for the cost of having the shirts made." The Race for the Cure was established in 1982 by Nancy Brinker to honor the memory of her sister, Susan G. Komen, who died from breast cancer at the age of 36.
Race for the Cure events take place in roughly 125 U.S. cities throughout the year.