DEL MAR, CA — Thousands of walkers will gather at the Del Mar Fairgrounds next week for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day, a three-day fundraising event supporting breast cancer research, patient care and community programs.
The annual event will run Friday, Nov. 13, through Sunday, Nov. 15, beginning with an opening ceremony at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd.
The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 7 a.m. Friday, with participants encouraged to arrive between 5:45 and 6 a.m. before setting out on a journey of up to 60 miles through San Diego County's coastal communities.
The route will take walkers along Pacific Coast Highway through Del Mar and Torrey Pines before continuing south through La Jolla, Pacific Beach and Mission Bay.
For Del Mar residents who want to support the cause without participating in the walk, the Del Mar Village Association will host a free community cheering station Friday from 8 to 9:30 a.m.
The cheering station will be located along Camino Del Mar, just south of 15th Street, where residents, local businesses and community organizations are invited to gather and encourage walkers as they pass through downtown.
The annual gathering will feature pink ribbons and decorations, with participation expected from Torrey Pines High School cheerleaders, Del Mar lifeguards, local business owners and community members.
Organizers encourage supporters to wear pink and help cheer on more than 2,000 participants.
The Susan G. Komen 3-Day offers three participation options, allowing walkers to choose a distance and fundraising commitment.
Participants can complete a one-day, 20-mile walk Sunday with a $750 fundraising minimum, a two-day, 40-mile walk Saturday and Sunday with a $1,800 minimum, or the full three-day, 60-mile event with a $2,300 fundraising minimum.
All walkers must register and complete the required event paperwork before participating.
According to organizers, the event provides support along the route, including rest stops, refreshments, medical assistance and meals.
Participants in the full three-day walk can stay at the event's outdoor camp Friday and Saturday nights, while two-day participants have the option to camp Saturday night. Hotel accommodations are also available at participants' own expense.
The weekend will conclude Sunday, Nov. 15, with a Finish Line Festival at Waterfront Park, 1600 Pacific Highway, in downtown San Diego.
The festival opens at noon, followed by a closing ceremony at 4 p.m. honoring participants, breast cancer survivors, those undergoing treatment and people who have died from the disease.
Friends, family members and community supporters are encouraged to attend the closing celebration.
Since the Susan G. Komen 3-Day began in 2003, participants have raised more than $927 million to support breast cancer research, care and advocacy programs nationwide.
Residents interested in participating can register individually, create a fundraising team or join an existing team through the event's official website.
Those who prefer to support the cause locally can attend the free Del Mar cheering station Friday morning.
For registration, fundraising information and the complete event schedule, visit the Susan G. Komen 3-Day website.
For information about the Del Mar cheering station, visit the Del Mar Village Association's event page.
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