Thousands join race for breast cancer cure in Newport

Pink was the color of the day Sunday – even for Snoopy – as Fashion Island in Newport Beach hosted thousands of participants in Race for the Cure, Susan G. Komen Orange County’s 24th annual fundraiser for breast cancer research and related health services.

The Komen organization said nearly 14,000 people registered for the event, which consisted of two 5K (3.1-mile) runs, a kids’ 1-mile race and a march by more than 1,000 local cancer survivors adorned in pink beads to symbolize the fight against breast cancer.

A ceremony featuring a release of doves honored survivors and those who have died of the disease.

The Race for the Cure website said the event had raised more than $1.1 million as of Monday morning. To donate, visit www.komenoc.org and click on “Race for the Cure.”

Rob Vardon