Millions of people have taken part in a Race for the Cure.
Race for the Cure events to raise money for breast cancer research have been taking place for more than 25 years and are organized nationwide by Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Between 1982 and 2010, this nonprofit organization raised $1.5 billion for breast cancer research. From the time her cancer was diagnosed, Komen spent her time trying to find ways to improve the lives of other women with breast cancer. When she died, her sister Nancy Brinker picked up the fight and founded the organization. Taking part in a Race for the Cure event is one of several ways to help.
Instructions
1. You don't have to be an athlete to take part in a Race for the Cure event.
Visit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure website and review the options. You'll find 5K walk/runs, three-day walks that are 60 miles long, marathons and more.
2. Every run needs a team of dedicated volunteers to make sure things go smoothly.
Decide whether to walk or volunteer. If you are physically unable to complete a walk or run, you can still help out by volunteering. The organizers need help setting up and cleaning up, staffing the registration and sign-in tables, and serving refreshments to participants along the route.
3. Make sure you're physically ready and able to take part in a walk or run.
Determine your own fitness level if you decide to walk or run. There are a wide range of distances and challenges to choose from in "Race for the Cure." The most common is 5K -- roughly 3.1 miles. You don't have to run the three miles, but you should be able to comfortably walk that distance. If you haven't been physically active in some time, consult your doctor about a fitness program to get you ready.
4. Pick a date and protect it -- a charity walk/run will fill much of your day.
Pick a target date. Whether you plan to walk or run, give yourself ample time to train.
5. Once you've found out how easy it is to register, you may want to ask friends to join you.
Find your local affiliate. Click on "Find an Affiliate" at the Susan G. Komen website and enter either your city and state or your zip code. The website will give you dates and locations to work with, but affiliates do the hands-on local organizing. The affiliate can give you the specific information you need to either register or volunteer for a local event.
Tags: Race Cure, part Race, part Race Cure, Susan Komen, breast cancer, breast cancer research, cancer research
