In less than two weeks, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Houston will take place in Downtown Houston and I am thrilled to be a part of this very special cause! As Race Course Consultant, I’ve been honored to work directly with the management team of the Houston Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Foundation as well as many, many dedicated volunteers over the past few months. I knew going into the project that it was going to be big…but WOW! This event runs like a well-oiled machine and I’m so proud to be a small cog in it.
Last year’s Race for the Cure Houston brought out more than 33,000 participants (including over 2,400 breast cancer survivors) and raised more than $4 million for breast cancer research, education, screening, and treatment programs. It is a humongous effort that requires the assistance of more than 1,500 volunteers but the results speak for themselves. Millions are helped and thousands of lives 
are saved every single year.
Here are some of the ways you can join in the fun:
Race Day
Race for the Cure Houston takes place on Saturday, October 6 and is predominantly located on the inbound and outbound lanes of Allen Parkway. Parking is available near the race route, Sam Houston Park, and in the surrounding area. Arrive early to ensure you have time to find a spot and don’t forget to bring cash! Or, avoid the traffic altogether by using METRO buses and the light rail from outlying parking areas. Check this list to see what else you’ll need to bring and this page for FAQ’S.
- For those who want to make this a family affair, there is a Family Walk/Kids K (approximately 1/2 mile) which begins at 8 a.m. It is an excellent way to introduce “giving back” to your kids!
- If you’re a bit more competitive, you’ll want to sign up for the 5K competitive race and run your compassionate little heart out. It begins at 8:20 a.m.
- For those “in-betweeners” who like to run but aren’t necessarily “going for the gold”, consider the 5K non-competitive run or 5K walk, which begin at 8:30 a.m. and 8:35 a.m.
- Finally, for those who have a hard time rising before the sun comes out; there is an just option for you! Through the “Sleep In for the Cure” program, you to contribute to the cause while still in your pajamas. You even get an event t-shirt, “snooze” bib, and an extra sleep-in treat!
The beauty of participating in Race for the Cure Houston is that the ultimate winners are the women and men whose lives will be bettered thanks to the caring efforts of thousands just like you.
Special Events and Efforts:
- Let’s get the Race Day countdown started with a little Zumba, shall we? Breast cancer survivor and licensed Zumba Fitness instructor, Karen “Cha-Cha” Franklin, will be leading an invigorating class on Friday, September 28 from 7-9 p.m. at the Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center. Shake those hips for a good cause!
- The kick-off to race weekend is on Thursday, October 4 at the Royal Sonesta Hotel Houston. “Pink in the City” is a pasta and auction party that will bring together hundreds of participants for dancing, bidding, and “carb-ing” it up in anticipation of the big day!
- Save money and support breast cancer research all year long when you enroll in the Pink Power Plan with Frontier Utilities. Donations support the programs of the Houston Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
The Houston Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure was established in 1990 and has raised over $9 million for research nationally and $28 million for community grants in Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, and Montgomery. Past local recipients of grants from Susan G. Komen Houston include Good Neighbor Healthcare Center, The Rose, and the University of Texas Medical Branch. Visit the website to sign up for the Race for the Cure Houston, learn more ways to help, and to educate yourself on breast health.