17,000 Expected for Race for the Cure

Organizers are registering participants for the sixth annual Orange County Race for the Cure to raise money for breast cancer research, education and treatment.

This year, organizers of the Sept. 28 event at Fashion Island Newport Beach are putting out a special call to breast cancer survivors to participate in a special survivors’ recognition ceremony.

Sponsored by the Orange County chapter of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, breast cancer survivors will receive complimentary caps and buttons and access to a special hospitality area with entertainment and refreshments.

About 17,000 participants are expected at the race. There is a $5,000 prize purse.

Race for the Cure is the largest event in California dedicated solely to raising money for breast cancer. The Komen foundation is the largest private funder of research dedicated solely to breast cancer in the country.

To date, the Orange County race has raised $1.4 million. About 75% of the proceeds stays in the county for programs aimed at eradicating breast cancer through education, community outreach and treatment. About 25% of the proceeds benefits national research.

This year’s race theme is “No woman with breast cancer should ever walk alone.”

Participants can run with a team or solo, volunteer to help at the race or watch.

Entry fees are $22 per adult until Sept. 20. After that, fees are $25. Fees for children, 12 and under, and seniors 60 and older, are $12 until Sept. 20, and $15 afterward.

Starting times are 8:15 a.m. for the women’s 5-K run/walk; 8:27 a.m. for the adult 1-mile fun run/walk; 9:30 a.m. for the men and women’s run/walk; and 10:30 a.m. for a 1-mile run/walk for children 12 and under.

All races are at Fashion Island, 401 Newport Center Drive in Newport Beach. Information: (714) 224-0292.