Thousands lace up Sunday morning for CIBC Run for the Cure

TORONTO, Ont. – Thousands of Canadians laced up their shoes and hit the pavement for the CIBC Run for the Cure Sunday morning.

Organizers expected approximately 20,000 runners here in Toronto alone, where the run began at 10 a.m. from the University of Toronto St. George Campus.

Participants were able to take part in either a one-kilometre or five-kilometre walk/run, and were able to register as either a team or individual.

CHFI’s Erin Davis and Mike Cooper hosted the event, and Davis told 680News it’s a spiritual experience as so many people with a common goal come together.

“It’s the people who have on their shirts not only who they are running for or walking for or remembering that day, but those who are how many years clear,” Davis said.

Karen Malone with the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation says this is an incredibly powerful time.

“We’re looking to raise a little bit more than last year, investing in some of our brightest researchers in the Toronto area,” Malone said.

Last year more than $13 million was raised in the Toronto run alone.

The run is Canada’s largest single-day, volunteer-led fundraising event dedicated to raising money for breast cancer research, education and awareness programs.

Last year, Canadians alone raised more than $30 million, with an estimated 170,000 people taking part.

One of those participants was Molly, who was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. While undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment, Molly was part of a team called “Pink Love.”

“We raised close to $40,000, which was amazing for a friends and family team, we were thrilled with that,” Molly said.

With her cancer now in remission, Molly is doing it all again this year.

“I have a mini-little ponytail again, and I’m back to work full time” she said.

Molly said the event is part of her crusade to help find a cure for breast cancer.