Race for the Cure
- By Doug Kurtis
Free Press Columnist

This Saturday, June 11 at 9 am, well over 25,000 runners and walkers will be cruising down Woodward Avenue from Comerica Park to show their support for the 14th annual Komen Detroit Race for the Cure.   The race, which is owned by the Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, is one of 113 Race for the Cure events in the U.S.

Today, the Komen Foundation is an international organization with a network of 75,000 volunteers working to eradicate breast cancer.   The 5km runs and fitness walks are the largest fundraising series in the world. Over 1 million people are expected to participate in at least one Race for the Cure.

800 runners began the first Race for the Cure in Dallas 1983. $8 million has been raised through Detroit's race. Last year, fundraising reached an all time high of $1.3 million. Seventy-five percent of the money stays in metro Detroit and the rest goes to the Dallas based Komen Foundation to support innovative breast cancer research grants, scientific conferences and community based outreach programs.

Early detection is a key to becoming a survivor. Eating healthy, regular exercise and limiting alcohol are contributing factors to reducing risk. The five-year survival rate is 95 percent when the disease is discovered while still confined to the breast. Older women should observe the screening guidelines: monthly breast self-exam, annual clinical exam and annual mammography after age 40.

Detroit's event originally took place at the Detroit Zoo and later moved to Comerica Park to accommodate the increase in participation.   Race director, Mo Meldrum had hoped to make improvements to the course this year that runs within eyesight of the Barbara Karmanos Cancer Institute, the presenting sponsor.

Prizes are given to men and women runners along with special team and survivor awards. Years ago the race was considered for women only. Now, men run and show their support from the ranks of survivors.   Last year, men accounted for more than 1,450 cases of breast cancer.

Beginning at 7 am, breast cancer survivors can celebrate with one another over breakfast at the Survivor Café in front of Comerica Park.   "In Celebration of" and "In Memory of" signs, which can be pinned on the back of race shirts, are available for all participants. Those that can't find the strength to walk are invited to ride Survivor Trolley during the race.

Special merchandise is available at the "Shop for the Cure ®" on race day as well as packet pick up locations and during the expo this Friday at the Southfield Pavilion in the city's municipal complex from 8:30 am to 8 pm.

Volunteers are still needed for many activities prior to the event as well as race day. Go to www.karmanos.org/detroitraceforthecure to sign up for the run or volunteer.

This year, The Race for the Cure has joined together with the Detroit Festival of Arts. Race participants are being encouraged to make a whole day of their visit to Detroit.   Now in its 19th year, the festival is a three day visual and performing arts extravaganza set in midtown Detroit's cultural center and Wayne State's campus. Race participants that park at the University or at Comerica Park can shuttle back and forth to either activity.

Contact Doug Kurtis at Detroit Free Press, 600 W. Fort St. Detroit, 48226