A world without breast cancer.
Those five simple words sum up the vision that Susan G. Komen has worked toward for more than 40 years. The organization strives to save lives by funding research, ensuring access to care and fighting for government funding to prevent and cure the disease expected to take more than 40,000 lives this year.
That sobering statistic is the raison d’être for Komen Columbus Race for the Cure, a 5K run/walk and 1-mile walk that begins at 8:30 a.m. Saturday at North Bank Park, 311 W. Long St.
Show up early enough that you don’t miss the opening ceremony and Parade of Hope at 8:10 a.m. The procession includes survivors and individuals currently living with metastatic breast cancer.
Komen’s flagship event is estimated to draw a throng of thousands, according to executive director Lindsay Collins.
“The last two years back in-person have been around 10,000 people on-site, including race participants, spectators, partners and volunteers,” she said. “We anticipate 10,000-plus again for the 2024 Columbus race.”
As with the 2023 race, this year’s fundraising goal is $1 million (which it exceeded last year). “Since the start of Columbus Race for the Cure, tens of thousands of participants and corporate sponsors have raised over $30 million to date,” Collins said.
If you’re interested in participating solo or with a team, it’s not too late to sign up. Online registration is open through 11:50 p.m. Friday at bit.ly/3UZsexI and if you miss that deadline, you can register at 6:30 a.m. Saturday at the park.
Whether you’re a walker, runner or onlooker, here are some helpful hints if you plan to go to Komen Columbus Race for the Cure this weekend.
Can kids under 18 participate?
Absolutely! There is a special registration just for younger participants, including those in strollers.
Can I bring my dog?
For the safety of event participants and due to local regulations, only service animals are allowed at the race.
How much does registration cost?
Adult registration costs $40 and youth registration is $30.
What’s included in the registration fee?
The fee includes a T-shirt and a surprise gift that is to be used during the interactive opening ceremony. Shirts for survivors and those living with metastatic breast cancer are to be in special colors to recognize their role in the event.
What is the race route?
Participants start beside McFerson Commons Park on Spring Street heading west, walk or run through Downtown and finish back on Spring Street.
Will there be street closures?
Between 2 a.m. and noon Saturday, the following streets are to be closed:
- Long Street is to be closed between High Street to the east and Hocking Street to the west.
- Spring Street is to be closed from West Street to the east and Hocking Street to the west.
- Neil Avenue is to be closed from Nationwide Boulevard on the north to the combined start/finish line to the south.
In addition, a rolling closure of the course route begins at 8:15 a.m., with most roads reopening by 10:30 a.m.
What’s the parking situation for spectators?
There are some 15,000-plus parking spots available in the Arena District. You can prepay for parking early at McConnell and Neil through the QR Code on the map at bit.ly/4bgs2jp.
