1,700 people ran through the streets of Brussels and La Louvière on Sunday as part of the “Race for the Cure”, an event raising funds on behalf of breast cancer research and charities. Each year in Belgium, breast cancer affects 11,000 women. Patients, survivors, and well wishers took part in the event to raise money for charity.
Despite the poor weather conditions, runners took to the streets dressed in pink to support the fight against the disease. “We are here to support the fight against breast cancer, research to find solutions, treatments,” Sylvie told Belgian media RTL Info.
The main course of the fundraising run is 10 kilometres long, but a 3km walking route is also set up for those who are less athletic.
“3km many not seem like much, but for people undergoing treatment, seeing them cross the finish line is always a moment which is very emotionally charged and gives us goosebumps,” said Tiffany Bulteau, spokesperson for organiser Think Pink.
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Some cancer patients are even running the route accompanied by their physiotherapists. “We see the evolution of each of our patients too, they start at the bottom and end up in a 10km race next year,” one physio said. Others attend just for support, and others in memory of those who sadly can no longer attend.
Organised in collaboration with the annual Brussels Marathon, Race for the Cure is the biggest breast cancer awareness sporting event in Europe, the organisers claim. 42 countries have joined the social movement launched by Think Pink this year, hosting running events and spreading awareness across Europe.
Breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancers on earth and will affect 1 in 8 Belgian women in their lifetime.
