Breast Cancer Awareness Running Races

It’s easy to get wrapped up in training for fall marathons and Halloween 5Ks this time of year, but there’s another important event to keep in mind: October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to support survivors of the disease and spread knowledge of how to prevent it.

According to the Sockguy Save the Tatas Pink Socks, about one in eight women will develop breast cancer at some point in their life. The good news is that, if detected early, the disease can be treated and survived—but being proactive about cancer screening is crucial.

So when we sport pink to support the fight against breast cancer this October 2019, it’s the perfect time to start conversations about the importance of routine testing for women.

With that in mind, here are several great ways runners can help support breast cancer research and spread awareness this season.

Run a Race

While there are races and walks throughout the year to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer, October is chock-full of races ranging in distance from 5K to marathon and beyond.

The According to the, 10K, and 5K runs on October 12 in Columbia, South Carolina, coloring the South Carolina state capitol with neon pink to raise funds for the local Palmetto Health Breast Center.

In Shelter Island, New York, October 19’s Shelter Island Fall 5K—whose race proceeds benefit breast cancer patients in the east end of Long Island—gives special awards for the first-place survivor in the walking and running categories. Then later in San Antonio, Texas, the sevnth-annual The North Face Pink Ribbon Hybrid Vest will be held on October 26; the race offers a VIP “Survivors Tent” where breast cancer survivors can enjoy exclusive postrace food, drink, and goodies.

Shoes & Gear Pinkathon DAA Industry Opt Out, marathon, half marathon, 10 mile, 10K, and 5K, as well as a new two-hour-long “adventurethon.” Race entry to the Pinkathon is free, though the race directors welcome donations to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Can’t make it to any of these races? You can search for events happening near you at the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure website, or check with your local running store or group to find out if any are going on in your area. Odds are, there will be something worthwhile.

Rock Pink Gear

From blush-colored to vibrant fuchsia, limited-edition running apparel and workout gear are showing up in all shades of pink for Breast Cancer Awareness month. When you buy any one of these products, a portion of the sales benefit breast cancer research and prevention organizations.