Elaine Hare, executive director of Susan G. Komen Memphis-Mid-South
On October 31st, a projected 20,000 runners and walkers will take to the streets of downtown to raise awareness about breast cancer. The 23rd annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5K is moving downtown after a two year run in Collierville at Carriage Crossing. Before settling in Collierville, the race was held in Germantown at the Shops of Saddle Creek for 20 years.
The announcement was made today at Raymond James tower downtown. Raymond James is a major sponsor for the event, and its Managing Director Jan Gwin said the race’s move to downtown will “significantly grow awareness and prevention of breast cancer.”
Mayor A C Wharton was on-hand at the conference, commending the move. He said he lost one sister to breast cancer and has another sister currently battling the disease.
“This is a rebirth. I can think of no better time. It’s spring. The birds are signing. The trees are budding, and guess what? Susan G. Komen is moving to Memphis, and they’re bringing downtown back to life again,” Wharton said.
The 5K race will begin and end at AutoZone Park, much like the annual St. Jude race series, at 9 a.m. on Saturday, October 31st. The course will run down Front and Riverside, though South Main, and past the FedFexForum. A post-race expo at AutoZone Park will feature the Bouffants. Race registration is already open.
