Photos from the 2002 National Race for the Cure 5K by Drew Woodrich

Photo above: The run began on Constitution Avenue with a sea of participants

Registration for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation National Race for the Cure(R), the world's largest 5 kilometer run/fitness walk, to be held on June 7 near the Washington Monument, is now open. Runners and walkers of all fitness levels are encouraged to attend this event to help raise funds and awareness in the fight against breast cancer.

"With more than 70,000 participants in the Komen National Race, it has become a symbol of the strength of individuals to make a difference," said Susan Braun, president and chief executive officer of the Komen Foundation. "By uniting breast cancer survivors and advocates across the country, this event enables people of all ages and fitness levels to put an end to breast cancer."

Each individual who decides to join the fight through the Komen National Race makes a difference in helping fund cutting-edge research grants as well as community-based outreach programs for the medically underserved, the results of which will ultimately save lives.

Participant Registration To join the Komen National Race for the Cure(R) in Washington, D.C., runners and walkers can register online, by mail, at one- stop registration sites and through late registration. Visit www.nationalraceforthecure.org for details. Entry forms are now available at several merchants in the greater Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. Registration sites throughout D.C., Maryland and Virginia will open in May 2003. A complete list of sites, including dates and times, is posted on the Web site.

On June 5 or June 6, participants can go to the outdoor Woodrow Wilson Plaza at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C., from 10a.m. to 5p.m. to register and immediately pick up their Race t-shirt and bib. Due to Park Service regulations, there is no registration on Race Day.

Volunteering The Komen National Race for the Cure(R), run mostly by volunteers, is constantly seeking additional support. More than 3,000 volunteers play a critical role in making the Komen National Race a reality. Groups of volunteers are needed for registration support as well as individuals or groups who can work during office hours to help plan and promote the event.

To volunteer, visit www.nationalraceforthecure.org to download the volunteer sign-up sheet. Email the completed sign-up sheet to jrycken@nationalra ceforthecure.org or fax to 703-243-6586.

Background A minimum of $1 million of the Komen National Race's net income remains in the metropolitan Washington, D.C., community - including Virginia and Maryland - to support local breast health education and breast cancer screening and treatment programs for the medically under-served. The remaining funds support cutting- edge breast cancer research through the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Award and Research Grant Program, with a number of grantees in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C.

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was founded in 1982 on a promise made between two sisters - Nancy Brinker and her dying sister, Susan G. Komen. More than 20 years later, the Komen Foundation is a global leader in the fight against breast cancer through its support of innovative breast cancer research grants, meritorious awards and educational, scientific and community outreach programs around the world. Together with its Affiliate Network, corporate partners and generous donors, the Komen Foundation has raised nearly $600 million for the fight against breast cancer.

The latest information about the 2003 Komen National Race for the Cure(R) can be found by calling (703) 848-8884 or visiting www.nationalraceforthecure.org. For information about breast health or breast cancer, visit the Komen Foundation's Web site, www.komen.org, or call its National Toll-Free Breast Care Helpline, 1.800 I'M AWARE(R) (1.800.462.9273).

Photo above: Top local female runner Casey Smith participated in the 2002 event

See the story on the 2002 National Race for the Cure 5K