Survivors of Breast Cancer Star in Race for the Cure
Athletic events often commit a portion of their proceeds to worthy causes, but it’s difficult to imagine a bigger success story in the county than the annual Race for the Cure, a fund-raiser for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
Last year’s event raised $271,000, which helped support education, research, screening and treatment of breast cancer. One of the programs, for instance, offers free mammogram screening for low-income women 40 and older (test prices range from $50 to $300).
This year’s running at Newport Center is Sunday, with two 5K runs (one for men and women, one for women only), a one-mile adult run/walk and a one-mile run for kids. There’s also a recognition ceremony for breast cancer survivors, who also have a 5K division of their own. The top five finishers will receive commemorative awards.
Last year the event drew 6,500 participants, 2,500 more than its 1992 debut. About 500 of them wore pink visors, signifying that they were survivors.
Both courses start and finish in front of the Pacific Mutual building on Newport Center Drive, and both feature rolling hills and a downhill finish (along with a nice view and ocean breezes). The top three finishers in each age group will receive awards.
From noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, (and again Sunday from 7 a.m. to noon), there will be a health and fitness expo with exhibits, live entertainment and children’s activities.
Participants in the run are encouraged to collect pledges (in addition to a race entry fee). Of the run’s proceeds, 75% will go to local programs, and 25% will go the National Komen Breast Cancer Research Fund.
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The state will sponsor its second Free Fishing Day of the year Saturday, which means it’s OK to fish without a license. The lakes at El Dorado East Regional Park in Long Beach (just west of the San Gabriel River Freeway at Wardlow Road) will be stocked with 3,000 one-pound channel catfish. Festivities and fishing are from 8 a.m. to noon.
What: Race for the Cure run/walk.
When: Sunday, Sept. 25. Registration opens at 6:30 a.m. Morning start times are 8:15 for the women’s 5K run/walk; 8:27 for the adult one-mile run/walk; 9:30 a.m. for the men’s and women’s 5K run/walk; 10:20 for the kids’ one-mile run/walk (for children 12 and under).
Where: Starts and finishes at the Pacific Mutual Building, Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach.
Whereabouts: From Pacific Coast Highway, head north on Jamboree Road and turn right on Santa Barbara Drive. Turn left on Newport Center Drive; Pacific Mutual will be on the left.
Wherewithal: $25 for adults, $15 for children (includes T-shirt).
Where to call: (714) 953-2264.