Calgary’s ‘Run for the Cure’ for breast cancer awareness

CIBC Run for the Cure (Photo: CIBC Run for the Cure YYC via Instagram)

Posted Oct 1, 2022 3:21 pm.

Last Updated Oct 2, 2022 12:34 pm.

Runners in Calgary have two events to events to choose from on Sunday: the Calgary Police Half Marathon and CIBC Run for the Cure.

The Calgary Police Half Marathon is back for the 42nd year. The 21-kilometere race kicks off at 8 a.m. in the southwest.

Race day is almost here! We look forward to seeing all you runners at Mount Royal University tomorrow morning!

Race map: https://t.co/SIiuQ7H5i8

For more information about the race: https://t.co/VvGNgvckaf

Thank you to @911_Supply & @CPFYYC pic.twitter.com/EpaxeSGWS8

— Calgary Police Half (@YYCPoliceHalf) October 1, 2022

And the CIBC Run for the Cure to support breast cancer research returns to in-person programming after a two-year hiatus.

The event started at 7 a.m. at Southcentre Mall.

Don’t miss your chance to give hope to people affected by breast cancer.

In a few days, Canadians will be coming together in person for the #CIBCRunForTheCure. It’s hard to make a difference as one person, but as a community, we can change the future of breast cancer. pic.twitter.com/5SVQgjH5rF

— Canadian Cancer Society (@cancersociety) September 29, 2022

“It is great to be back in person after two years of being just online and having this event happening in different parts of the city and different parts of Canada,” said Yesenia Leon, the Run for the Cure director.

Around 28,000 Canadians are diagnosed with breast cancer every year, according to the Canadian Cancer Society.

“There was still kind of that feeling that together we are stronger. But it’s not the same as when we have this encounter with friends when you feel that emotion, that vibe, that support, from each other,” said Leon.

“So I think one of the most important things is that when you are in the process of recovering from cancer or you are in the middle of the treatment or if you are a friend or family or someone, having that emotional support [and] understanding that you are not alone is the most critical part,” said Leon.

“And this event brings us all together at one point and we feel like we are together stronger. We are working as one, we are feeling as one. We are there for each other. And I think that’s the most important thing of this event.”

Leon says there’s been an increase in participants every year coming out of the pandemic. This year has surpassed the previous years’ attendance thus far.

Leon says raising awareness for cancer research relies heavily on the power of the people.

“I think the communities need to take the power and try to help and solve situations that are real. So obviously cancer has moved for so many years, a battle, a problem, something that we need to take care (of).

“As part of a charity as part of the Canadian Cancer Society, this is the way we can help and be a voice to say this is what we can do to help each other. This is how we have made the changes.

“Ever since The Canadian Cancer Society has been raising funds they have been a material change on the life expectancy, on the people who have been diagnosed with cancer.

“So now 80 per cent of the people who have been diagnosed with cancer can go beyond the five years life expectancy after being diagnosed.

“What we are doing here is having a better future just to improve the life of the people who we care for and for the people for have been diagnosed.

“For example, many of the initiatives advocated for by the Canadian Cancer Society are not only research and development towards cancer research but social and emotional support for those battling cancer.”

In total, this year’s run saw 2000 participants attend and nearly $6,000 was raised for charity.

–With files from Dan Carson