A new Race route through the Nation's Capital helps celebrate the 15th Anniversary of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation National Race for the Cure(R) on Saturday, June 5, 2004. The Komen National Race is expected to raise millions for breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment programs. A minimum of $1 million dollars raised at this event will remain in Washington, D.C., Virginia and Maryland to support community-based outreach programs. The remaining funds directly support the Komen Foundation Award and Research Grant Program, which funds groundbreaking breast cancer research, meritorious awards and educational and scientific conferences around the world.

This year, during the Pre-Race Rally, the Komen Foundation will launch a new Co-Survivor program to honor the people in breast cancer survivors' lives who were sources of support and inspiration through diagnosis and treatment. The Komen Foundation will unveil a new pink-and-white interlocking ribbon designed to symbolize the special relationship between people who have fought breast cancer and their Co-Survivors, those who supported them along the way.

Saturday, June 5
6:45 A.M. Pre-Race Rally - The National Mall, between 7th & 9th Streets
7:00 A.M. Parade of Pink presented by Bristol-Myers Squibb Oncology
The National Mall, between 7th & 9th Streets
8:00 A.M. Runners Start - 9th Street & Constitution Avenue, NW
8:15 A.M. Walkers Start - 12th Street & Constitution Avenue, NW
9:00 A.M. Awards Ceremony - Freedom Plaza

Washington, D.C., has the highest breast cancer mortality rate in the U.S. The Komen National Race offers residents a chance to make a direct impact on breast cancer research, education, screening and treatment in the community. Registration is still available Thursday, June 3 and Friday, June 4, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Department of Commerce, main lobby, 1401 Constitution Avenue, NW (photo ID needed for admittance).

This year, the Komen Foundation celebrates the 15th Anniversary of the Komen National Race for the Cure(R), one of more than 100 5-K runs/fitness walks in its signature program, the Komen Race for the Cure(R) Series. The largest series of 5-K runs/fitness walks in the world, the Komen Race Series raises significant funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer, celebrating breast cancer survivorship and honoring those who lost their battle with the disease. The Komen Foundation was established in 1982 by Nancy Brinker to honor the memory of her sister, Susan G. Komen, who died from breast cancer at the age of 36. Today, the Foundation is an international organization with a network of more than 75,000 volunteers working through local Affiliates and events like the Komen Race for the Cure(R) to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease.

See the www.nationalraceforthecure.org Web site.