Prince George laces up for a cure

Prince George residents will have another opportunity to get moving for a good cause this weekend.

The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure takes place Sunday, Oct. 2, marking the foundation's 25th anniversary and organizers say it's not too late to get involved.

"The run itself is a really special day," said Renee McCloskey, the Prince George run communications and promotions coordinator. "We encourage people to participate."

Across the country, 59 communities will participate in the event, which is the largest single-day, volunteer-led national event in Canada.

The Prince George event - consisting of a one- or five-kilometre walk or run - will take place at the Civic Centre, beginning at 10 a.m. with breast cancer survivors, friends, families, supporters and volunteers.

During the day, there will be a breast cancer survivor sharing their story, which McCloskey called a "really poignant time."

"It's a celebration for everyone who has journeyed through the breast cancer battle," she said. "Hopefully one day, there won't need to be a run."

Breast cancer remains the most common form of cancer diagnosed in Canadian women, with one in nine women slated to be diagnosed by the age of 90. In 2010, an estimated 23,300 women in Canada were diagnosed with breast cancer, an increase of 500 from 2009.

On average, 445 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer every week.

All money raised in B.C. events stays in the province. Last year, the Prince George run raised $112,125 with more than 600 participants. This year, McCloskey said the community is on track to bring in even more money for the cause. Nationally, 170,000 participants raised $33 million in 2010.

McCloskey said there has been great support from the Prince George community for the event, with $1.1 million raised since the run began in 2001.

"That's a real testament to the community," she said, adding the day, which starts with opening ceremonies at 9:30 a.m., is a good opportunity to get some fresh air as fall descends.

"It's a pretty cool event to be a part of. I hope in the end it's making a difference."