Susan G. Komen National Race for the Cure Draws Nearly 45,000 Participants, Brings Record Funds to National Capital Area

WASHINGTON, June 2 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Mall shined pink this morning, as nearly 45,000 breast cancer supporters and survivors gathered for the 18th annual Susan G. Komen National Race for the Cure(R). Today's 5K event raised more than $2.6 million to fund breast cancer research and local patient support programs for the medically underserved in the National Capital Area.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070122/NYM084LOGO)

"In our 25th anniversary year, Susan G. Komen for the Cure remains steadfast in our commitment to end breast cancer forever," said breast cancer survivor Hala Moddelmog, Komen president and CEO. "So long as there are women without access to care, including right here in Washington, DC, which has the highest breast cancer death rate in America, the race is not won."

The Pre-Race Rally kicked off the morning with Katie Couric, anchor of "CBS Evening News," Komen Ambassador Rene Syler, WUSA9 anchor Andrea Roane, Washington, D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty and Congressman Jim Moran (D-Va.). Following the rally, the Parade of Pink-nearly 3,000 breast cancer survivors, led by Moddelmog and Latina Telenovela star Adamari Lopez-marched across the Mall to honor loved ones and show solidarity in their triumph over the disease.

Along the Race course, participants were greeted by "Cureleaders," part of Komen's new I AM THE CURE(TM) program. Cureleaders helped to energize the crowd with catchy educational cheers.

After the Race, participants enjoyed a performance on the main stage by Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter Patti Austin. Her uplifting renditions of George Gershwin classics from her latest album, Avant-Gershwin, entertained the crowds after crossing the finish line.

A minimum of $1 million of the funds raised from this year's Race will remain in the National Capital Area. The remaining net proceeds support cutting-edge breast cancer research through the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Award and Research Grant Program.

The National Presenting Sponsor of the 2007 Komen Race for the Cure Series is Yoplait. Official Race Series Partners are American Airlines, Coldwater Creek(R), Energizer(R), Ford Division, New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc. and Quilted Northern Ultra(R). The National Breast Cancer Survivor Recognition Program is co-sponsored by RE/MAX and Zeta Tau Alpha, and the Volunteer Recognition Program is sponsored by SunChips(R) brand.

About Susan G. Komen for the Cure

Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure(R) and launched the global breast cancer movement. Today, Komen for the Cure(R) is the world's largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Komen Race for the Cure(R), we have invested nearly $1 billion to fulfill our promise, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world. For more information about Susan G. Komen for the Cure, breast health or breast cancer, visit http://www.komen.org or call 1-800 I'M AWARE.

CONTACT: Rebecca Gibson of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, +1-214-418-0518,rgibson@komen.org; or Katie Murtha of Powell Tate|Weber Shandwick,+1-202-585-2037, kmartha@webershandwick.com, for Susan G. Komen for theCure

Web site: http://www.komen.org/