The annual Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure was held on Saturday in Central Park where thousands of participants wore pink and ran a 5K to celebrate life and remember those that we have lost to breast cancer.

The day started with the children’s Kids For The Cure races in Central Park and the 5k race began at 9:30am where participants ran through Central Park ending on the east side by the strawberry fields. Runners and walkers of the race were encouraged by onlookers and eager to be supporting the foundation to stop breast cancer.

“It’s the biggest pinkest party that New York City has ever seen in Central Park,” said Linda Tantawi, CEO of Susan G. Komen Greater NYC. “It’s really a celebration of life as well as an opportunity to remember those we have lost. It’s so fun, it’s really a great great day. Families come out and companies come out with all their colleauges, it’s really just amazing.”

This annual race raises millions of dollars for the Susan G. Komen Foundation with donations from companies, corporations and individuals. This year, Walgreens and Duane Reade had the biggest donation of $183,000. Susan G Komen uses 25% of all money raised to be donated to breast cancer research while 75% stays in the community for women to help access care. This provides women with the opportunity to have mammogram screenings and access treatment if they are diagnosed with breast cancer. They can also gain access to support service programs and become educated about breast cancer.

Among participants of the race was Brittany Page, a recent college grad who was running for her grandma, a breast cancer survivor.

“I just wanted to do something for my grandma after seeing everything she went through. It’s amazing how many people are here to support their friends and families and even honor people they have lost,” said Page. “I’m here with my mom and my sister and we all ran together, which was a really cool experience. I’ve never been to a Race For The Cure so I had no idea what to expect. This has been amazing.”

Once the race was over, there was a parade in Hope Village to celebrate everyone involved and even those who couldn’t make it. The survivors and thrivers for Susan G. Komen were enthusiastic throughout the day giving hope and encouragement to all the runners.

One in every eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer and the Susan G. Komen foundation is making it their goal to live in a world without breast cancer and give hope to those that are diagnosed. The Race For The Cure is only the beginning.