The 24^th annual Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure will return to Brock Sunday, October 4. More than 800 people are expected to participate in third-annual Niagara portion of the event. Nationally, the Run for the Cure takes place in 66 communities across Canada.

The run serves as an important rallying point for those who are dedicated to finding a cure for a disease that affects one in nine Canadian women.

“The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation CIBC Run for the Cure is a powerful example of the determination of hundreds of thousands of Canadians. Progress in breast cancer research means that fewer Canadian women are dying from breast cancer today than in the past, but we won’t stop until there’s a cure, and neither will our thousands of volunteers and supporters — we’re all in this together,” said Lynne Hudson, CEO of the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

“The CIBC Run for the Cure gives Canadians a chance to celebrate how far we’ve come and unite in dedication towards the future — a future without breast cancer,” she added.

Partnering with Brock has been an important factor in the continued growth and success of the run in the Niagara region.

“Holding the run at Brock is a huge success story from all avenues — not only does it help raise awareness amongst the student body, as run organizers, we also gain participants and volunteers from those students. In particular, Athletics and Sport Management have proven to be an excellent resource in providing volunteers, and also team participation,” said the Niagara Run’s Logistics Director Emily Allan-Dakin.

Allan-Dakin went on to mention the many logistical advantages and cost benefits of hosting the event at the University.

“Logistics-wise, holding the run on campus is not only easy, it is an extremely large cost-saving endeavour — there are no road closures, police presence is not needed, parking is free — all of those things normally cost money.  By saving on our operating costs, we are able to ensure more fundraising dollars go directly back to the cause, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation,” she said.

With registration open online until the day of the run, and in-person registration open until the start of the run on Sunday, all involved are hoping to reach this year’s fundraising goal of $250,000.

Funds raised will continue to support research that focuses on the prevention of breast cancer. This includes improving detection, enhancing treatment, and providing community support.

The CIBC Run for the Cure takes place on Sunday, Oct. 4 in the weather station field at Brock University. Registration begins at 8 a.m. with one- and five-kilometre runs beginning at 10 a.m. For more information, visit www.CIBCRunforthecure.com.