This morning’s weather was perfect for the Susan G. Komen Austin Race for the Cure. Today’s race started at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum and looped around the State Capitol grounds. According to the race announcer, there were 29,000 participants, although local cable station YNN put the actual total around 22,000. In either case, it was an impressive turnout. 

The timed runners started at 7:30 AM. Untimed runners and walkers could begin any time between 8 and 10 AM. Our team was in line before 8 AM but we didn’t actually reach the starting line for at least ten minutes. 

We called ourselves “The Triumphant Team” and had four breast cancer survivors and 14 friends/family members. Many teams had matching T-shirts but since this was our first time to walk together, we just wore the race shirts. Maybe next year we will be more organized.

Enthusiastic cheering squads were stationed along route to give encouragement to the runners and walkers. Therapy dogs were also available for petting.

Teams held hands or linked arms and celebrated as they crossed the finish line. And for good reason: an estimated $1.5 million was raised by today’s Race for the Cure for breast cancer treatment, screening and education programs.