Nearly 20,000 Runners Flock To Schenley Park For 27th Annual Race For The Cure

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Nearly 18,000 people and about 2,000 cancer survivors ran in support of breast cancer on Mother's Day.

Runners gathered on a chilly and rainy Sunday morning for the 27th annual Komen Pittsburgh Race for the Cure 5K, but that did not dampen their spirits.

"My mom passed away three years ago from cancer, so this is for her," said Lisa DeBlanc-Smith, a cancer survivor herself.

The race began at 8:35 a.m. at Schenley Drive and traveled to Forbes Avenue, through Squirrel Hill on their journey to the finish line at Phipps Conservatory.

The race is a celebration of survival and hope for a cure.

"The women that wear pink, it's like bursting loose and saying, 'I'm still alive, you know, I'm still alive,'" said Karen Tucker-Nibbs, a 25-year cancer survivor.

Despite the millions of dollars raised for research, we still don't what the cause of cancer is or how to prevent it.

"We talk about living a healthy lifestyle and exercise are the things we know that can help," said Kathy Purcell, CEO of Race For The Cure. "But we also know that women and men have done that all their lives and they're still diagnosed."

First place winners include Andrew Zentgraf with a time of 17:07 and Jennifer Bigham with a time of 18:25.

The first place cancer survivor was Christin Clark with a time of 24:32 followed closely by Amber Aughenbaugh, who cross the line with a time of 24:59.

Each first place survivor was awarded a $250 Giant Eagle gift card. The first place survivors were granted a $200 Giant Eagle gift card.

A full list of the results can be found here.