A sea of pink circled Fort McHenry, then united along McHenry Row Sunday morning. For the first time in a decade the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure returned to downtown Baltimore.
Thousands joined together in the fight against breast cancer and to raise money for treatment and research.
"There are people here who have just started their treatment and are in active chemotherapy," said Kim Schmulowitz, communications director of Susan G. Komen Maryland. "There are people here who have been survivors for 25 years."
Not even the rain or new location could dampen their spirits or smiles
"Usually we're at Hunt Valley. Now we're here at Baltimore. Doesn't matter where it is, we'll always support them," said Helene Fawkes.
Event organizers said the new backdrop made sense. Baltimore is a city that is very involved in breast cancer research.
"Johns Hopkins just got a $1.6 million research grant from Komen to study metastatic breast cancer," noted Schmulowitz.
Baltimore mayor Catherine Pugh was also excited to see the change in venue and take part in the inspiring event.
"Everybody knows somebody who's had a bout with cancer," said the mayor. "And the people running for research, there are people running for survivors, and we are running for the entire community to lift up cancer cures throughout the world because too many people are dying from cancer."
The 25th annual race celebrated survivors while honoring those who lost their battle.
"My mother passed away from ovarian cancer, which shares a genetic link to breast cancer, so it's always an emotional day for me personally remembering my mother and how she would've loved an event like this," said Schmulowitz.
Susan G. Komen Maryland estimates it raised nearly $500,000 with this year's Race for the Cure.
