Komen NC Triangle Race for the Cure: Go PINK on Saturday, June 12
Over 25,000 people will lace up their sneakers and show their support in the fight to end breast cancer during the 2010 Komen NC Triangle Race for the Cure on Saturday June 12. Since Jeanne Peck brought the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Race Series to Raleigh in 1997, this fundraising, awareness heightening footrace has grown to become the largest 5K in both North and South Carolina, and ranks among the top 20 races within the national Komen network.
On race day, Meredith College’s campus grounds will swell with moving tributes to breast cancer survivors, educational booths, live music, kids’ activities, and complimentary food galore. And then there are of course the highlighted four races during the special morning: 7am Competitive Open 5k (no strollers allowed in this one); 7:45am Women’s Only 5K Run/Walk; 8:45am Recreational Open 5K Run/Walk (co-ed); and the 9:30am One-Mile Fun Run/Walk (co-ed).
You can run, walk, or even sleep in and still be a part of the effort. Donate to a team or individual, create your own team and ask your friends to donate, or simply register individually and give as you wish. Registration costs vary depending on age and type of race, but expect $25-$30 for adults and $15-$20 for youth ages 6-15. Register online anytime or at individual packet pickup locations beginning Monday June 7 (find location listings and online registration at www.komennctriangle.org), or register on-site on race day.
One of 122 local affiliates across the country, the NC Triangle Affiliate intends to raise $2 million from this year’s race alone, and to date is over half way to realizing that goal. Of the net funds raised, 25% will be placed into national research programs and 75% will go toward funding local community health grants within the 19 North Carolina counties currently serviced by the Triangle Affiliate.
In a day and time where so many organizations are vying for one’s generosity, it’s often a challenge to determine where donations will be best utilized. Komen for the Cure believes in transparency and has been recognized for its efforts. In March of this year, global market research firm Harris Interactive ranked Komen for the Cure as the number one most valuable non-profit brand and the charity people are most likely to donate to, and also recognized it as the second most trusted non-profit organization in America, just behind St. Jude Research Hospital.
On a global level, Komen for the Cure has achieved the distinction as the largest source of non-profit funding for breast cancer research on the planet. In fact, $17.5 million has come back to the Triangle area in the form of research grants. Every 75 seconds someone dies with breast cancer, but with millions of eyes fixed on discovering advancements, encouraging hope for a cure ensues. Participants, volunteers, and donors are passionate about education, research, and advocacy. You, too, can play a part.
HelloRaleigh Tip: Where to park on race day? RBC Center. Complimentary shuttle buses begin running from the RBC Center to Meredith’s campus beginning at 5:30am. Plan to wait an hour between your arrival at the RBC Center and your starting race time.
Posted by Angela Risko
