Komen Race for the Cure
The Race for the Cure began as just that--one race in Dallas, Texas, in 1983. Today it's the largest series of 5k run/walks in the world and has raised $453 million for breast cancer research, education and treatment.
As much as 75 percent of the net income from each race stays local to fund breast health education, breast cancer screening and treatment initiatives. About 25 percent of funds raised go to grants, research awards and conferences to further the search for a cure for breast cancer. More than one million runners/walkers will participate in the 2005 series.
In addition to its run/walks, which can have anywhere from 1,200 participants at smaller venues to more than 63,000 in larger metropolitan areas, The Komen Foundation also sponsors the Ride for the Cure in Aspen, Colorado, in September. Check it out at www.aspenrideforcure100.com/.
Event locations: More than 100 races in the United States as well as races in Italy, Germany and Puerto Rico.
Distance: 5k
Dates: January through November. December is the only month without an event. May and October have the most events in honor of Mother's Day and National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Fundraising details: All race participants pay an entry fee ranging from $15 to $30. Some races have optional pledge programs where participants can help raise additional funds.
Web site: www.komen.org
MS Bike Tour
Since it first began with one tour in Minnesota in 1979, the MS Bike Tour has wheeled across the country to become the largest cycling event in America, raising $450 million for multiple sclerosis research along the way.
Although best known for its two-day, 150-mile endurance treks, MS Bike Tours aren't just for the hardcore. The Tour includes a wide range of rides, with 100 different tours in 49 states, from the mid-Florida MS Chapter's "Wheels, Whales and Tails" tour (a theme park-themed ride from Busch Gardens in Tampa to Sea World in Orlando) to Northern California's "Waves to Wine" (a scenic ramble along the Pacific coastline through wine country). And with daily mileage options ranging from family-friendly 10-mile loops to quad-busting centuries, there's a level and flavor to suit practically every rider.
Last year, nearly 100,000 cyclists raised $50.5 million in pledges. Participate on your own or join forces with your coworkers as part of TeamMS, MS Bike Tour's corporate team challenge.
Event locations: More than 100 tours in 49 states (excluding Hawaii).
Distances: Tours include the two-day MS 150-mile bike tours and one-day rides of various distances.
Dates: From March to November.
Fundraising details: $200 minimum.
Web site: www.nationalmssociety.org
HERA Climb for Life
In the summer of 2001 ovarian cancer survivor Sean Patrick and a group of friends were planning a climbing trip to Yosemite National Park to raise money to fight the disease that had threatened Patrick's life. But their plans were dashed when her cancer recurred in July, requiring Patrick to be airlifted out of the Colorado mountains in the midst of a climb. Five months of recuperation and brainstorming with other cancer survivors and climbers led her to think bigger, and establish HERA Ovarian Cancer Climb for Life.
"The whole idea of Climb for Life came out of my recovery," says Patrick. "When I came out the other side, I felt like I really needed to do something."