DENVER—Nearly 62,000 people poured into the streets of downtown Denver Sunday for the 15th annual Race for the Cure, which raises money to fight breast cancer.
Women, many of them bundled up because of temperatures in the 40s, started running and walking the 5 kilometer course at 7 a.m. Coed and family runs followed.
Denver’s race, one of several across the country, is believed to be one of the largest. Organizers said 61,591 men, women and children participated this year.
People wore pink T-shirts, wigs and even feather boas. The color is associated with breast cancer awareness.
Joan Eberle of Loveland, who has taken part in the race for four years, said she got involved after two friends died from breast cancer.
“We’re out here today in their honor, to remember our friends,” Eberle said.
People had placards on their backs with the names of breast cancer victims and others wore sweat shirts with victims’ photos.
Wendy Lukazcek, race chairwoman, noted the large turnout despite all the other events Sunday, including a home Denver Broncos football game and a home Colorado Avalanche hockey game.
Organizers expect the race to raise more than $3 million. A maximum of 75 percent of the total stays in the Denver metro area as grants to not-for-profit organizations providing breast health care and education, cancer screening and treatment.
Last year’s race drew 66,000 people and raised about $3 million.