Registration Now Open for the Largest Breast Cancer Fundraiser in Connecticut in 23rd Year of Commitment

Registration for the 2026 “RACE IN THE PARK” is now open. The popular annual event will again bring people together from all across Connecticut – and neighboring states across the region - to raise money to advance breast cancer research and education, making a difference locally in the fight against breast cancer.

A statewide nonprofit organization, the Connecticut Breast Health Initiative (CT BHI), hosts the annual fundraising event in New Britain’s historic Walnut Hill Park, to be held this year on Saturday, May 9, amidst Mother’s Day Weekend. It is the largest fundraiser to support leading-edge breast cancer research in Connecticut.

“Research is the answer to cancer,” said Joyce Bray, president of the Connecticut Breast Health Initiative (CT-BHI) Board of Directors. “100% raised in Connecticut. 100% stays in Connecticut. And the research conducted right here is tangible and life-changing. Funds raised are targeted at measurable change and have an impact on individual lives and the life of our families and communities.”

With generous public and corporate support from the annual event for just over two decades, more than $4.9 million in 119 grants have been provided for research and education initiatives, with 100% of funds raised staying in Connecticut. For 22 years, the RACE IN THE PARK has fueled local breast cancer research right here. Projects earning funding can be seen at www.ctbhi.org/grants.

CT BHI raises much- needed funds because “we believe research lS the answer to cancer,” explains Joyce Bray. “Every dollar contributed will impact progress in finding answers to breast cancer and supporting survivorship quality of life.” CT BHI, she adds, is “not only hoping for a world without breast cancer, but is dedicated to taking ACTION, to making change, to finding answers by supporting breast cancer research.”

Funds raised from the RACE IN THE PARK bring statewide benefits. Grants have been provided to support breast cancer research and education initiatives across the state, including to researchers and healthcare organizations in Bridgeport, Danbury, Farmington, Hartford, Middletown, New Britain, New Haven, Norwalk, and Stamford. Last October, during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, grants were awarded to researchers at UConn Health, Hospital of Central Connecticut, Yale University School of Medicine, and Yale Cancer Center.

Increasing Incidence Among Young Women

A 2025 Columbia University analysis of U.S. Cancer Statistics data showed that Connecticut had the highest observed rate of early onset breast cancer in the nation among women ages 25–39 from 2001–2020. Nationally, breast cancer is rising fastest among women under 50. The rate of female breast cancer in Connecticut’s population is the second highest in the United States.

It is estimated that more than 3,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed in Connecticut women this year. Bray noted that “Although a National Cancer Institute report last year stated that deaths from cancer have declined since the early 1990’s - and research is the reason - breast cancer has actually increased over the past two decades, particularly among young women. That merits our attention, and action!”

Keep Research Funded in Connecticut

Bray also indicated that funding research and the quest to end breast cancer has slowed recently on a national level. “Scientists are struggling to keep labs and experiments running amid uncertainty of the potential impact on the pace of discovery and the harm resulting from cuts. The CT Breast Health Initiative is very aware of the promising work that our Connecticut scientists want to continue or start. With you, as financial partners in the annual RACE IN THE PARK, we can help sustain and accelerate research in our state amidst federal funding volatility.” Nationally, 30% of female cancers diagnosed are breast cancer, and approximately 13% of the female population in the U.S. will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.

To register or pledge for this event, which includes a 5K Race and 4K/1 Mile Walk, and Kids’ Fun Runs, visit www.ctbhi.org. Individuals and teams are welcome.

Making A Difference Locally, Supporting Sponsorships Available

The RACE IN THE PARK – always a family-centered day - will again offer options including a 5K run, a 4K/1 mile walk, and two Kids’ Fun Runs (1 mile and ½ mile). Each course includes a loop around Historic Walnut Hill Park, and participants in the 5K also run through the surrounding neighborhood. Racers can expect to see enthusiastic local residents standing on their front lawns, cheering them on.

The RACE IN THE PARK celebrates survivors with a wonderfully upbeat RACE Day Survivor Breakfast at the start of the day alongside the RACE course. The Survivor Breakfast is free for RACE-registered survivors; guests are welcome for a $15 fee.

Public parking is available nearby, adjacent to Walnut Hill Park. RACE IN THE PARK activities also include a Beer Garden, Food Trucks, Merchandize Tent, a Silent Auction/Auction Raffle Tent, Build in the Park, on-site Touch-a-Truck for kids, and live music.

Early adult registrants will receive an early bird special price of $32, through March 8, and the registration fee will then increase incrementally during the following weeks. For youth ages 5-17, early registration is $20 for participation in the Kids Fun Run. There is also a virtual 5K Run/Walk. Details are provided on the CT BHI website. Guest tickets to the RACE Day Survivor Breakfast are also now available. New this year, those who register on or before Sunday, May 3 will have their RACE bib mailed to them RACE week. They’ll just have to pick up their shirt on RACE morning.

“Every person who participates, every dollar donated, brings us closer to the next breakthrough and ultimately a cure,” Bray noted. “This is the largest program of its kind in the state. And we are proud to support the groundbreaking research underway in Connecticut, thanks to our dedicated donors, participants and volunteers.”

Sponsorships remain available for businesses, associations, and organizations. The support of sponsors is critically important to ensure that research can continue to be funded. For information about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Joyce Bray at info@ctbhi.org.

The RACE IN THE PARK brings people together, affirms community spirit, and reflects a camaraderie of respect and honor, resilience, and remembrance. Anyone of high school age or older is encouraged to volunteer. More information about volunteer opportunities is available on the RACE website.

“The entire community really comes together to support this wonderful family day,” Bray observes. “We are tremendously grateful for the support of our sponsors, and our dedicated volunteers are the backbone of the event. They ensure that all goes smoothly, which makes it a truly memorable experience for every participant.”

For more information about the RACE IN THE PARK and the Connecticut Breast Health Initiative, or to make a donation or learn about corporate sponsorships – including in-kind sponsorships – visit www.ctbhi.org.