Race for the Cure to aid in proceeds for breast cancer
by Brian Shults, reporter

    The second largest race in Tarrant County will start Saturday, April 7, in downtown Fort Worth to help fight breast cancer.

The Ninth Annual Komen Tarrant County Race for the Cure will begin at 4th and Houston streets.

Race for the Cure, a national fundraiser, has grown into the nation’s largest 5K run. Seventy-five percent of the proceeds will go to improving breast cancer research, screening, education and treatment in Tarrant County. The remainder is used to benefit the Komen Foundation National Grant Programs.

Directors are anticipating 16,000 runners, an increase of approximately 2,000 from last year. The race raised $750,000 in 2000, despite having to relocate the race after a tornado devastated downtown.

Local coverage of the event’s efforts to continue in the face of tragedy apparently bolstered spirit and awareness, making the race a success, according to Linda Parker, assistant to the race chairman.
Among those affected by last year’s rally was Candy Daubin, a breast cancer survivor and employee in TCC’s purchasing department.

“I found it a very uplifting and moving experience,” she said in regards to her first race last year.

The event inspired Daubin to try organizing 1,000 volunteers this year; if successful it will be the largest group ever to participate.

Daubin plans to make registration forms available on all TCC campuses through the health and student services areas. Online registration will also be possible March 1 at www.tarrantraceforthe cure.com.

Early registration costs are $20 per person if postmarked by March 7, after which the fee will be $25. Team members will receive t-shirts and caps, guaranteed to the first 12,000 registrants, commemorating the race.

Donations of $20 and up will be accepted from those who prefer not to run. All supporters will be entered into a drawing for prizes. For each $100 raised, participants will receive one chance in a drawing for two round-trip tickets, donated by Sanders Travel Centre. Winners of all drawings will be announced at a ceremony following the race by RadioShack, this year’s presenting sponsor.

The race began because of efforts by Rozanne Rosenthal, who in 1992 chartered the Tarrant County Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. It was established in memory of Rosenthal’s friend and three-time survivor Joan Katz. Since its inception, the affiliate has gained 400 members and organizes numerous active volunteers in its efforts to battle breast cancer.

Those interested in forming teams or participating, may call the team hotline at (817) 665-9651 or visit the race website.