Thousands race at 26th annual Race for the Cure, first in-person race in 2 years
Thousands of runners, dressed in pink, gathered in Raleigh on Saturday morning to race for a cause. The 26th annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure began at 7:45 a.m. at the Boxyard RTP after going virtual for two years.
"Being back in person, you really get a sense of community," said Race Chair Lori McLean. "Meeting other fellow survivors brings us sisterhood and camaraderie."
This year’s Komen Triangle Race for the Cure was particularly emotional for Diana Allen.
Her daughter, Sophie Allen, was diagnosed at just 26.
She defeated the disease, only to tragically pass weeks later.
Sophie Allen was a proud Duke graduate with plans to do big things.
Then at 26, something no one planned for.
It was breast cancer.
“She loved everything and everybody,” Diana Allen said. “It was just unfathomable when she was diagnosed.”
Sophie fought back hard for 8 months.
Chemo, a double mastectomy and radiation.
“We had no family history, so she did not know to get breast exams and she was lucky to get a new gynecologist who did it and found a lump,” said Diana Allen
She wanted to help others who were also fighting.
Sophie Allen spoke with WRAL News to promote last year’s Komen Triangle Race for the Cure.
"It means a lot to me,” said Sophie Allen "I am getting back into the swing of things, I have a few more hurdles to overcome."
She was the top fundraiser that year. Not long after that interview, she had her last radiation treatment.
“She beat cancer, she was cancer-free,” said Diana Allen.
Sophie was ready to pick up where she left off. Chasing her dreams and living life.
Then, in august of 2021. shortly after beating cancer, her mother says Sophie was killed by a hit-and-run driver during a visit to Chicago.
“I feel bad for people who did not get to meet her, so I am really working to share Sophie's story,” said Diana Allen.
That story continues with Sophie's Superstars, a team at this year’s Komen race.
Again, they were the top fundraising team.
It’s what Sophie would have done.
So far this year, Komen has raised more than $401,000 for breast cancer research. The organization is hoping to raise $550,000 before the year is over.
Donations to Komen help fund research into a cure for cancer, care for those who are suffering and government advocacy.
Breast cancer is the fifth leading cause of death among women, according to research from the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
More women in the United States are diagnosed with breast cancer than any other cancer, aside from skin cancer, according to ASCO. The organization estimates more than 43,000 women will die of breast cancer this year.
"We don't want anyone to feel that they have to fight alone," McLean said.
WRAL-TV is a proud community partner with Komen.
While registration for the race is closed, you can still support the cause with a donation.
