Be More Than Pink
The 26th annual Susan G. Komen Orange County’s Race for the Cure, will take place on Sunday, Sept. 24, at Fashion Island in Newport Beach. Komen Orange County is excited to announce a partnership with the Los Angeles Chargers, who will raise awareness and funds through the creation of team Chargers for the Cure. Travis Benjamin, wide receiver and return specialist has been named Honorary Race Chair. Benjamin has been personally impacted by breast cancer: his mother, grandmother and aunt have all fought the battle against this disease.
Themed “Be More Than Pink,” this year’s race encourages participants to do more: to fundraise and to get more involved! The nonprofit’s goal is to raise $2 million at Race for the Cure to fund Komen’s Bold Goal to reduce the current number of breast cancer deaths in the U.S. by 50 percent by 2026. Funds raised will support expanding access to cancer care for the underserved population and research focusing on aggressive breast cancer types and metastatic disease.
Komen Orange County’s first male chair, Doug McKay, community grant and giving chair for Macy’s Orange County, will serve as the Race Chair for the fourth consecutive year. Having lost his wife to cancer at age 27, he carries a deep understanding and passion for the mission of this event. McKay is guiding the race leadership committee in the strategic planning to make the event a success.
“On any given day in Orange County, at least five women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and one will die from the disease. For many of them, it does not have to be so. Early detections and treatments can save their lives,” says McKay. “It’s one thing to be aware of breast cancer, it’s another to do something about it. We’re very thankful for the thousands of people who participate in the race, who make pink so much more than a color by cheering for our cause, donating and raising funds!”
The Komen Orange County Race for the Cure is open to participants of all ages and skill levels, who are welcome to run, walk or stroll the course. For early birds, the first 5K begins at 7:15 a.m. with a “PLUS Timing Chip” option for those who plan to run the course. The Kids One-Mile Fun Run & Walk presented by Knott’s Berry Farm begins at 8 a.m., and a second 5K will begin at 9:45 a.m. for those who prefer a more relaxed pace. At 8:45 a.m., thousands of survivors will fill the steps of the Pacific Life Insurance Building after the Breast Cancer Survivor Parade, followed by the Survivor Tribute – a memorable and moving ceremony highlighted by the national anthem and the release of white doves to recognize survivors and pay tribute to those who lost their battle to the disease.
General registration for adults is $35; breast cancer survivors, $30; youth under 18, $15; and day-of registration, $40 for all participants.
