Thousands of Athenians will be running or walking on Sunday, Sept. 29 in Athens for this year’s “Greece Race for the Cure” events which aim to raise awareness and support breast cancer research and treatment programs.

The two sporting events are sold out with 10,000 participants registered for the 5K race and 35,000 for the 2K both to kick off from Zappeion Park this Sunday.

Participants will have to show up at the Zappeion Park meeting point at 8.30am with their race kits and lots of positive energy.

The 16th Greece Race for the Cure, organized by non-profit organization Alma Zois (Leap of Life), kicks off at 9.30 a.m. with the 5K race and at 10.30 a.m. for the 2K walk.

Race for theCure

Young and old will join the Race for the Cure Run in Athens on Sunday. Photo credit: Greece Race for the Cure

Under the motto:  “Together Stronger Than Breast Cancer” each year, families, groups, colleagues, company teams, and individuals run or walk for the cause.

As part of the 16th Greece Race for the Cure activities, a pre-event – Health Promotion Day – will be held on Saturday, Sept. 28 from noon to 6pm at Zappeion Park and includes talks on prevention and support, activities for young and old, and a sponsor’s expo.

You can also participate in this year’s Race for the Cure Greece from anywhere in Greece or abroad. Make sure to share a shot or video of yourself with your T-shirt and cap in action on your social media using the #GRFC2024 hashtag and @almazois tag to raise awareness.

Race for the Cure

Runners are asked to fill in a sticker they place on the back of their T-shirt explaining why they are running. In this photo: “I run … for all of us.” Photo credit: Greece Race for the Cure

Race for the Cure is a global series of fundraising runs and walks organized by the Susan G. Komen Foundation to support breast cancer research, awareness, and treatment programs.

The event was founded in 1983 and brings together survivors, supporters, and advocates to raise funds and spread awareness about breast cancer. Participants typically wear pink, the symbolic color of breast cancer awareness. Over the years, it has become one of the largest and most successful breast cancer fundraising events, helping to fund research, education, screening, and support services for individuals affected by the disease as well as bring people together. In Greece, the event is in its 16th year and growing.

Every year, Race for the Cure participants are asked to fill in a sticker they place on the back of their T-shirt explaining why they are running (or walking). Reasons cited include: “We run in order to inform every woman in Greece about breast cancer; We run to raise awareness about the importance of breast cancer prevention and early diagnosis; We run to demystify breast cancer; We run to defeat fear and prejudice; We run to improve the quality of life and the rights of women with breast cancer; We run to support women with breast cancer and their families; We run to save lives; We run to honor the women who are no longer with us.”

Temporary traffic changes will be in place on Sunday, Sept. 29 in central Athens through to 1p.m. for Race for the Cure runs and events.

* You can support Alma Zois and Race for the Cure by participating in a run or walk solo or with your friends or office team, as a volunteer or by making a donation.