Decidedly few people pay attention to the timed results of Denver’s Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, one of the largest foot races in Colorado — bigger even than the Bolder Boulder.
The 5-kilometer race/walk, which starts Sunday at 7 a.m. at the Pepsi Center downtown, likely will top the 61,500-plus runners in the field last year. That puts the Race for the Cure well ahead of other big races in this state in number of participants.
And while there will be bibbed runners going all out for top times, the outcome really doesn’t matter.
What matters is the spirit of the race.
Back when Nancy Brinker (Susan’s older sister) started the Komen for the Cure organization in Dallas in 1982, people didn’t utter the word “breast” out loud. How can we have a discussion about a cure if we can’t talk about what ails us?
That’s where Sunday’s race picks up. Win, place, show. Whatever. Doesn’t matter.
What matters is the race itself.
Last year, the race helped raise nearly $3 million for breast cancer research. But it meant more than money.
Loveland’s Joan Eberle, who was racing for two friends who died of breast cancer, told The Associated Press after last year’s race: “We’re out here today in their honor, to remember our friends.”
Tens of thousands of friends.
The race is a family affair, with the women’s 5K, a coed 5K walk/run and a 1-mile family walk. Something for everybody.
When the race first ran more than 20 years ago, some 800 people took part. It’s come a long way since then. Denver’s version has grown to one of the largest in the country. Millions run every year in more than 100 races across the nation.
It’s become OK to talk about breast cancer. And cool to wear pink.
Racing for a cause
What: Denver’s Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.
5K women; 5K coed run/walk; 1-mile family fun walk.
Why: To raise awareness for breast cancer.
Where: At the Pepsi Center in Denver.
When: Sunday, 7 a.m. Who: Everybody.
Online:
AROUND TOWN
Coolest game in town.
Hockey fans who’ve been clamoring for ice time while sweating through summer can finally get their fix this weekend.
Joe Sakic, left, and the Avalanche host the Chicago Blackhawks for a preseason game tonight at the Pepsi Center. The 7 p.m. game and its Sunday rematch at Chicago will be the Avs’ final warm-up before their regular-season opener Thursday at home against the Boston Bruins.
The college preseason also gets going. Denver holds its first NCAA-sanctioned practice on Saturday, then hours later hosts the University of Alberta at Magness Arena (7 p.m.). Alberta then plays at Air Force on Saturday and at Colorado College on Sunday. A tough three-game stretch.
STAY ON THE COUCH
The Bucs stop here.
The pair of one-loss teams meeting at Invesco Field on Sunday will be facing each other for just the seventh time in their histories. The Broncos (3-1) hold a 4-2 record over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1) since they first played in 1976.
The 2 p.m. game also will be the second Broncos game this season to air on Fox. But instead of Joe Buck and Troy Aikman, the Broncs-Bucs tilt will be guided by Chris Myers, always a professional on play-by-play, and Tim Ryan on color.
The Broncos on Sunday will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Super Bowl XXXII team with more than 100 former players on hand. The Broncos also will present Gary Zimmerman with his Pro Football Hall of Fame ring, after the former lineman was inducted in the 2008 class.
NFL quarterback leaders
Most passing yards this season
Att Cmp Yards TD INT
Brees, N.O. 148 107 1,343 8 4
Cutler, Den. 157 102 1,275 9 4
Warner, Ari. 141 94 1,222 8 4
Romo, Dal. 139 90 1,192 8 4
McNabb, Phi. 146 95 1,100 6 2
GET OFF THE COUCH
Fun runs.
Tough weekend to schedule a running event opposite the Race for the Cure. But there are at least two other racing options outside of downtown Denver.
The Waterton Canyon 10-miler on Saturday, part of the Rocky Mountain Road Runners Trophy Series, starts at 9 a.m. at the canyon next to Chatfield Lake in Littleton. Check .
Also on Saturday, Smoky Hill High School hosts its Band on the Run 2-miler to benefit the school’s marching band. It starts at 9 a.m. at the school.
WHAT WE’D LIKE TO SEE
Tooting their own horns.
Saturday’s Texas-Colorado football game at Folsom Field in Boulder will double as the 100th anniversary of the Golden Buffalo marching band.
The band, seen above on the Boulder campus in 1909 (courtesy of the CU Heritage Center), will be a centerpiece ingredient for the school’s homecoming weekend.
“Whenever there’s something that represents the history of the school — a football game, a convocation — the marching band is usually there,” said Allan McMurray, chair of the conducting faculty and director of bands at CU.
