Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure - A Mother's Day Tradition

The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure is gearing up for its 19th annual Pittsburgh run.

This Sunday, which also is Mother’s Day, it is estimated that more than 30,000 participants and 300 volunteers will come together on Flagstaff Hill in Schenley Park to unite in an effort to help raise funds to help those affected by breast cancer, with the ultimate goal of finding a cure.

Kathy Purcell, executive director of the of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, has been calling the shots since 2008, making this her fourth race.

“It’s really become a Mother’s Day tradition here in Pittsburgh," she said. "We feel very supported by the community and it really allows us to continue to do our work.”

In addition to the 5K run/walk that kicks off at 8:35 a.m., there will be a Zumba warm up at 7:15 a.m., a Kid’s Dash held near the stage at 7:45 a.m. for children 6 years old or younger, a Survivor’s Parade at 8 a.m., and a one mile fun walk at 8:45 a.m.

Participants who are a bit more competitive who would like to be eligible for prizes must be wearing a timing chip on their shoe. Registration for the 5K chip timed run will end at 8:35 a.m.

Although the race is the focal point of the day, the organization realizes that a run or a walk isn’t for everyone. Two years ago the group started the Sleep In for the Cure. Sleep in for the Cure is for participants who do not plan on showing up the day of the race, but still want to support the cause.

This year, Sleep in for the Cure was a huge success. To date, the effort has more than 500 participants who have signed up to relax in the name of a good cause.

Race for the Cure is the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year and is needed by the organization to help local cancer patients, survivors and families. Purcell is proud to point out that of the $2 million raised annually, 75 percent of the money stays within 30 counties in Pennsylvania, with the other 25 percent going to national research efforts.

“We usually fund anywhere from 10 to 25 grants through the year," Purcell said. "Our largest grant is the mammogram voucher program, which allows women who are in or under insured to get a mammogram."

Volunteers will be helping participants register Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday starting at 6:30 a.m. All registered participants will get a white race T-shirt and all registered survivors will get not only the white race shirt, but a pink Survivor hat and T-shirt.

For more information about the race or the Pittsburgh Affiliate of Susan G. Komen, visit www.komenpittsburgh.org.

Donations can either be made online at http://www.komenpittsburgh.org/make-a-donation/ or can be mailed to Pittsburgh Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure 1133 S. Braddock Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15218