A 5K no more: West Palm's popular Race for the Cure now a walk-only event

“Walk Don’t Run” was the title of both a tune and a movie, and it could well be the motto for the Susan G. Komen annual outdoor event in downtown West Palm Beach to raise money for breast cancer education, diagnostic services and research.

This year’s gathering is Jan. 28 and once again is being staged at the Meyer Amphitheater.

The fundraising event went virtual in 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, it shed its longstanding "Race for the Cure" name and became the "More Than Pink Walk" as the competitive run portion was eliminated. It’s the same again this year, reflecting a trend at Komen’s signature fundraisers nationwide.

Since at least 2018, the organization has been transitioning from the Race to the Walk. In Atlanta, for example, the Race was jettisoned after 27 years in favor of the Walk.

Komen officials then and now say the noncompetitive Walk promotes community and inclusiveness, although in West Palm Beach at least, participants had the option of participating in either.

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Komen “added more emphasis on ceremonial segments of the event that honor breast cancer patients, survivors, those living with metastatic disease and those we’ve lost,” said spokeswoman Michelle Strong. “... and family-friendly alternatives.” Participants can still run the course, if they wish, she added.

According to Strong, Komen this year plans to host 41 Walks and nine Races throughout the country.

The Race for the Cure started in Dallas in 1983; West Palm's first race was in 1992

The first Race for the Cure was held in 1983 in Dallas, where Komen is headquartered. West Palm Beach’s inaugural race was in 1992. It drew 2,100 runners and walkers, and raised about $150,000. In 2006, the event produced more than $1 million for the first time. The following year, it attracted a record 23,135 participants, including hundreds who entered the run.

The 2020 Race for the Cure in West Palm Beach drew 8,500 registered participants and raised $635,000. It was the last event to feature a 5K run followed by a 5K walk.

After a series of controversies beginning in 2012 that included its defunding of breast cancer-related services of Planned Parenthood clinics, Komen’s fundraising declined. The nonprofit reported total revenue of almost $350 million in 2011, according to the Chronicle of Philanthropy.

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021, the organization’s total revenue was $87.7 million, according to a tax form it filed with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

The nonprofit also has closed local chapters or affiliates in favor of what Strong termed a “centralized model with representation in all communities.”

This year’s More Than Pink Walk begins at 7 a.m. The opening ceremony is at 8:30 a.m. There will be remarks from local survivors and those living with metastatic breast cancer.

There also will be a We Remember tent where participants can honor those who were lost to breast cancer, and a VIP Top Fundraiser tent where participants who raise $1,000 or more can enjoy food and other activities.

A Fun Zone and video game truck also will be present. The walk begins at 9 a.m.

If you go

• What: West Palm Beach More Than Pink Walk

• When: Saturday

• Where: Meyer Ampitheater, West Palm Beach

• Schedule: 8:30 a.m. opening ceremony followed by 9 a.m. walk

• For more information: Visit Komen.org

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Komen breast cancer Race for the Cure 5K is a walk-only event