SW Michigan Race for the Cure®

Race facts

The Komen SW Michigan Race® is more than a race for runners or fitness walkers. It is an opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to honor a loved one who has lost the battle with breast cancer, to show support of someone winning the battle now or to help raise funds to fight the disease.

In 1996, Battle Creek hosted the first Michigan Komen Race for the Cure®. After the Race, the SW Michigan Affiliate evolved covering Calhoun and Kalamazoo counties. In 2001, the Affiliate expanded to include: Allegan, Berrien, Branch, Cass, St. Joseph and Van Buren counties. In it's 9 year history, the community members have supported the Komen SW Michigan Race and are responsible for the following successes:

YEAR	# Participants	Net Profit
1996	309	$10,000
1997	699	$30,000
1998	759	$40,000
1999	1,060	$55,000
2000	1,371	$53,000
2001	1,473	$60,000
2002	1,515	$80,000
2003	1,389	$79,499
2004	no race held
2005	1,673	$116,839

Since its inception in 1996, the SW Michigan Affiliate has awarded over $400,000 to local agencies to fund local breast health education, screening and treatment programs.

The Race is the Affiliate's largest fundraiser each year. Proceeds from the 2002 Race along with addition funds raised by the Affiliate are funding programs at various organizations.

The SW Michigan Affiliate has also contributed $188,479 to the Komen Foundation National Grant Program to fund research on a national and international level.