30,000 participants help raise $2 million at Phoenix Race for the Cure

PHOENIX - More than 30,000 Valley residents participated in Sunday's Susan G. Komen Phoenix Race for the Cure, banding together to raise more than $2 million.

"Today's event was beautiful and inspirational on so many levels," said 2010 Race Chair Caroline Cranford, MD.

The event brought thousands to the streets around the State Capitol in Phoenix early Sunday, as a record 4,100 people registered on-site before the non-competitive race.

Participants got the chance to enjoy a one-mile family fun run and walk, as well as the Breast Cancer Survivors' 5K Run and 5K Walk in the State Capitol District. An emotional Survivors' Parade served as inspiration for participants prior to the first race event.

"The Race for the Cure is an opportunity to honor and celebrate all of those whose lives have been touched or taken by breast cancer, as well as an opportunity to raise funds in support of breast cancer education, screening, treatment and research," says Dan Costello, Komen Phoenix board president.

Sunday's event raised more than $2 million and counting, according to organizers.

As much as 75 percent of the proceeds will go to funding education, screening and treatment programs in Arizona, while the other 25 percent will benefit a national program to fund breast cancer research.