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September 30, 201521st Komen Northeastern New York Race for the Cure Saturday, October 3 in Albany
The Northeastern New York (NENY) Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® will hold its 21st annual Race for the Cure on Saturday, Oct. 3 at the Empire State Plaza in downtown Albany. The co-ed 5K run follows the former Freihofer’s Run for Women course while the Two-Mile Family Walk follows a shorter portion of it. Those unable to participate due to injury or absence can still participate by registering to Sleep In for the Cure and receive a special T-shirt.
“Breast cancer touches nearly every family, business or other group, so the Komen Race for the Cure has tremendous support here in Albany,” said Komen NENY Executive Director Victoria Roggen. “Funds raised by the Race for the Cure event and other efforts year-round support many programs across our region; valuable community efforts that provide education, treatment and support for those diagnosed with breast cancer.”
This year organizers have adopted a new schedule to make the day run more smoothly for participants. This year’s 21st annual Race will hold a survivor ceremony beginning at 9:00 a.m., followed by the 5K Race at 9:30 a.m., an awards ceremony at 10:15 a.m. and the walk at 11 a.m.
“Based on participant feedback, we think we’ve designed a schedule that will make everyone happier and the day more enjoyable,” said Roggen.
The Albany Komen Race for the Cure also includes “Sleep-In for the Cure” which allows participation by anyone, from anywhere. Participants who register online for this event will also be entered to win a queen sized mattress.
A pink 26” Kent women’s bicycle and a 10’ Pink Kayak will be raffled off as well. Tickets are $5 and are available at the race.
The Race remains an annual fundraiser for breast cancer care and research, a celebration of survivors and a memorial to those taken too young by this disease.
“We joyfully celebrate our survivors, even as we mourn those lost to breast cancer, the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women,” said Victoria Roggen. “Nearly 40,000 Americans will die from breast cancer this year, and more than 230,000 men and women will be diagnosed.”
The Race is the largest fundraiser of the year for Komen NENY. 75% of the money raised stays in their 15 county service area to provide breast health education, screening and support to those diagnosed with breast cancer. The other 25% supports national breast cancer research.
“Futhering our commitment to scientific research and making early detection accessible to all those who need it, will lead us to the cures for breast cancer” says Roggen “We have a unique way of distributing the funds we raise that makes an impact both locally and nationally”
Since forming in 1982, Susan G. Komen has become the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists. Their mission is to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all and energizing science to find the cures.saving lives by empowering people living with the disease, ensuring quality care and energizing research into prevention and treatment. The organization has invested more than $800 million in research and $1.6 billion in screening, education, treatment and support for millions of people worldwide. Komen Northeastern New York has raised over $3.1 million locally since 1995 for breast health programs in their 15 county service area. To support national and international breast cancer research, the Northeastern New York Race for the Cure also donates 25 percent of net proceeds to the national Susan G. Komen Research Program.
Runners raise funds for Komen through their own donations and those of friends, family and co-workers. Sponsors also support the race, including Eric Mower + Associates, United HealthCare, Dunkin’ Donuts, St. Peter’s Health Partners, General Electric Hannaford Supermarkets and others. Media sponsors include, Rewind 105.7, the Times Union and WNYT. Area leaders rally around the cause including WNYT’s anchor Benita Zahn (also host of WMHT’s Health LINK).
“It’s always uplifting to see so many people toe the line for the Race for the Cure knowing that the money raised will help in the continuing effort to find a cure for breast cancer,” said Benita Zahn, Komen supporter, WNYT anchor and host of WMHT’s Health LINK.
Participants can register online at www.komenneny.org through September 30. Participants can also register at the Empire State Plaza southeast concourse on October 1 and 2 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and before the Race on Race Day.
Runners who miss the Race for the Cure due to an injury or travel can participate through the Sleep In for the Cure; register online through September 30 at 11 a.m.
“Breast cancer touches every family,” said Roggen. “I hope the appeal of the Race for the Cure touches every runner, spectator and their families with the compelling message of our cause.”
