The annual CIBC Run for the Cure is coming up in a little less than a month, and teams are already well on their way to raising funds for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

Some teams have already raised as much as $2,010 and some as much as $3,155. These funds will go to researching breast cancer as well as helping patients currently receiving treatments.

Emily Engebretson, spokesperson for Run for the Cure, said these funds are vital in the success stories of beating breast cancer.

Participants can register the day of the event, but are encouraged to do so beforehand online. Donation and participation forms are available on the web site.

Engebretson got involved after her aunt was diagnosed with, and survived, breast cancer. Vikki Scott, the aunt, said she now attends the event as a spectator just for the energy.

“The event is just full of positive energy and it’s so empowering and motivating to keep going,” said Scott.

Scott said the funds raised through events like Run for the Cure are so important to breast cancer patients, as it has allowed for so much research to be done.

“Because of all that these events fund, breast cancer patients are in and treated before it’s allowed to progress. It was just so quick how they got me in and treated and into remission,” said Scott.

Engebretson said a lot of people participate in the run because they know someone who has been affected by breast cancer, which is what she said got her involved.

The run this year is set for Oct. 6 and starts at Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School. Participants have the option to run or walk 1km or 5km.

“I think that this year is going to be really big,” said Engebretson.

She believes this year’s event will be big because all other small events have been incredibly successful as well this year.

“The run day is basically to raise funds and awareness for research. Everyone comes down and we have survivors come speak and we have the entire day centred around raising awareness and funds,” said Engebretson.

Leading up to the run day participants are encouraged to raise funds on their own, online, or as a team. Engebretson said previous teams have run everything from garage and bake sales to car washes and BBQs to raise funds.

“Once run day comes it’s just so inspirational and exciting for everyone to be there. Everyone has team names and themes,” said Engebretson.

Participants are encouraged to dress up to show their support and she said there have been men in boas, people in hats and full colour-coordinated teams in past years.

“People are getting more and more involved and not only do we have people returning to do the run but we have a lot of people saying this is their first year and they are super excited for it,” said Engebretson.

The cost to register is $40, which provides participants with their Run for the Cure t-shirt.

“If you’re a team of more than 10 and you’ve all paid your registration then you can get your names printed on your t-shirt,” said Engebretson.

Last year’s event raised $289,000 locally and more than 1,200 people took part in the Run for the Cure.

“It’s just a really great cause and such a fun and inspirational day. Even if you can’t participate, come attend, see what it’s all about, hear a survivor tell their story. Maybe then you can take part next year.”

For more information visit www.runforthecure.com.

kpalardy@reddeerexpress.com