Runners brave weather, raise $2 million for cancer

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Thousands of rain-soaked runners and walkers, many wearing bright pink T-shirts, braved the rain and chill yesterday and participated in the 15th annual Komen National Race for the Cure.

More than 50,000 people registered for the five-kilometer race in downtown Washington, according to event organizers. They estimated about $2 million was collected for cancer research and treatment.

Of that money, a minimum of $1 million will remain in the District, Maryland and Virginia to fund outreach programs. Organizers said the nation’s capital has the highest breast cancer mortality rate in the country.

This year’s race placed a special emphasis on those who help people suffering from the disease, with volunteers at the finish line at Freedom Plaza passing out pink and white ribbons that symbolize the importance of that relationship.

Among those participating in the race were Lisa Dwyer and Laura Boyden of Atlanta. “We’re running for my mom who passed away from breast cancer and for our daughters so we can make a difference for them,” Miss Dwyer told WUSA-TV.

The national race began in 1990. Last year, the event raised more than $2.5 million. The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, which sponsors the race, holds about 100 other races around the country each year.