Susan G. Komen SWFL Race for the Cure to draw thousands Saturday for breast cancer fight

Pink bags honoring loved ones form a ribbon near the start of a 5K walk or run for the 2015 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure at Coconut Point mall.

Pink will be everywhere Saturday morning as thousands of Southwest Florida residents will hit the pavement at Coconut Point mall in Estero to raise money to help find a cure for breast cancer.

The color is associated with the fight against breast cancer, and survivors, spouses and children will wear it on T-shirts, hats and other festive garb to emphasize that the disease can be beaten.

Online registration to take part is closed, but registration the day of the event is still possible, said Sarah Owen, development director of Susan G. Komen Southwest Florida.

So far, $115,000 has been raised, but it’s not clear what individuals will bring in, so the total will be updated, she said. The goal is $200,000.

The top money-raising team is the Quail West Pink Ladies, which has raised nearly $33,000 so far. 

There are 70 teams this year, and close to 1,800 people are taking part. Last year $200,000 was raised.

More:In the pink: Susan G. Komen funneling money into research, helping patients

More:Quail West Pink Ladies raise $30,000 ahead of Komen Race for the Cure

“It is still a really big race; it is still one of the top races in this area,” Owen said.

The race is a 5K, which is about 3.1 miles, and there is a shorter route of 1 mile. Participants can choose to walk or run either route. Pets are not allowed, but strollers are permitted.

Up to 75 percent of the net income from the local races stays in the community to fund breast cancer education, screening and treatment. The remaining 25 percent supports Komen national research and grants.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, except for skin cancers, according to the American Cancer Society.

Women have a 12 percent chance of developing breast cancer sometime during their life, or a 1-in-8 chance. About 266,000 new cases will be diagnosed each year in the U.S. About 41,000 women will die from breast cancer in 2018.

Race for the Cure

Where: Coconut Point mall, 23106 Fashion Drive, Estero

When: Registration starts at 6:30 a.m., timed runners start at 8 a.m., all others start at 8:10 a.m. 

How much: $35 for adults, $15 for anyone under 18