The 20th annual Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure is coming up Oct. 2nd at Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School and is an event for all to attend.

Last year’s event raised over $33 million and saw more than 170,000 Canadians participating in 60 communities nationwide. Since 1992 the Run for the Cure has become the largest single-day volunteer-led national event in Canada in support of breast cancer research.

CIBC and the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation work together to make the event possible.

Christina Verticchio, volunteer communications and promotions coordinator, said there has been a lot of positive feedback regarding the upcoming event.

The opening ceremonies start at 9:30 a.m. with the run commencing at 10 a.m.

“Participants love the display of hope and courage they see that day. They know that by participating they are helping to make a difference.”

People are still able to register for the event and can take part in the walk or run of one or five km.

Nationally, there is a shoe challenge that is inspired by the 2011 Run for the Cure campaign featuring real stories of Canadians affected by breast cancer. People are invited to share their stories about who inspires them on a pair of unbranded shoes and send photos to shoe@cbcf.org.

“Residents in Red Deer and Central Alberta are very supportive of this cause. Thanks to that support we had a record year last year, and we have our fingers crossed that this year will be even better.”

The campaign for this year’s run is ‘Who are you running for’ and simply gears the community up to come out for those in their lives who have been affected by breast cancer. Participants are invited to decorate a pair of shoes to show who they are running for. The run site will also be decorated in honour of the shoe theme as well.

The Run for the Cure event is also a fun event with snacks provided and an atmosphere of support and hope for those battling the disease and survivors alike.

“If someone were to come down that day they would find themselves in the middle of a sea of pink,” said Verticchio of the common colour worn to support the cause.

Currently some of the top fundraising teams have raised upwards to $7,000 in support of the cause.

Verticchio also said that they are encouraging people to be more environmentally friendly by bringing their own reusable drink containers. She also said the event will run rain, shine, snow or hail.

In 2010 it is estimated that 23,200 women in Canada were diagnosed with breast cancer. The most susceptible age group is women over the age of 40.

For more information or to donate or volunteer visit www.cbcf.org.

kpalardy@reddeerexpress.com