The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® 2009 is scheduled for Sunday, October 25 on the campus of The University of Central Florida at Bright House Networks Stadium. The largest series of 5K runs/fitness walks in the world “The Race For the Cure” raises significant funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer, celebrates breast cancer survivorship and honors those who have lost their battle with the disease. The 5K race begins at 7:45 a.m. followed by a one-mile fun run/walk and a Kiddie Dash Race for the children. At the completion of these races there will also be a Survivor Celebration and Awards Ceremony at 9:15 a.m. Online registration for the race has ended but participants may sign up in person on Saturday, October 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday morning before the race.

Up to 75 percent of the net proceeds raised at the Race remain here in Central Florida to provide breast cancer education, screening and treatment for the uninsured or underinsured women. The remaining 25 percent goes to fund national research to discover the causes of breast cancer and, ultimately, its cures. The Komen Central Florida Race for the Cure is the Central Florida Affiliate’s largest annual fundraiser.

The Komen Race for the Cure is a unique event, designed and implemented to promote positive awareness, education and early detection of breast cancer. It has proved to be an enormously effective way to reach many women and men with the message that breast cancer is not necessarily fatal if mammography and breast self-exam become routine. As well as being a race for runners, the Komen Race for the Cure is an emotionally charged event that attracts many first timers and recreational runners. The Komen Race for the Cure is an opportunity for thousands of women, men and their families, running or walking, to spread the breast cancer message within our community. Since its inception in 1983, the Komen Race for the Cure series has grown from one local Race with 800 participants to a global series of more than 120 Races with more than one million people expected to participate in 2009.

In 2008, Susan G. Komen for the Cure Central Florida raised over $1 million to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease by advancing research, education, screening and treatment in the Central Florida community including the following counties: Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Marion, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter and Volusia.