Largest 5K running series in the world opens registration

Sign up today for Susan G. Komen Western New York Race for the Cure

The Western New York Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure has opened registration for the 2012 Susan G. Komen Western New York Race for the Cure. The race, which is chaired by Shelly Kubala and Meri G. Notaro, will take place on Saturday, June 9, 2012, at 10 a.m. in the Delaware Park Rose Garden.

The race is an opportunity for the Western New York community to raise critical funds for programs for the medically underserved and for breast cancer awareness; to celebrate survivors; and honor those who have lost their battle. Participation is open to all who would like to run, walk, volunteer or donate. Last year, more than 7,500 participants joined the race and raised more than $658,000.

The proceeds from the race benefit the local community with 75 percent of funds staying right here in Western New York. The remaining income went to the national Susan G. Komen for the Cure grants program to fund breast cancer research throughout the country. This year's goal is to raise more than $700,000.

"The Western New York Affiliate is excited to have launched the site earlier than in years past, which we feel will generate more awareness of the race in the community" said Nick Guercio, registration chair for the WNY race committee. "We have also made the site easier for people to register and allow them to ask friends and family for their support to help reach their fundraising goals."

This year's race fees for participants are as follows: adults, $25; youth (ages 6-13), $10; and children 5 and under are free. If participants would like to be timed, there is an additional $2 fee for timing chips. Prices will then go up after June 1, 2012, so early registration is encouraged. Participants may sign-up as individuals or form a team. All above the age of 5 will receive a free race T-shirt.

To register for the race, visit http://www.komenwny.org/komen-race-for-the-cure/ and for more information, contact the Western New York office at 716-332-2481 or [email protected].

About Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the Komen Western New York Affiliate

Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched the global breast cancer movement. The Western New York Affiliate of Komen for the Cure is working to better the lives of those facing breast cancer in the local community, joining more than 1 million breast cancer survivors and activists around the globe as part of the world's largest and most progressive grassroots network fighting breast cancer. Through events like the Komen Western NY Race for the Cure, the Western New York Affiliate has invested more than $3 million in community breast health programs in eight counties.

For more information, call 716-332-2481 or visit www.komenwny.org.