Sport Innovation/Active Network/Race for the Cure

The Komen Race for the Cure Series is the world’s largest and most successful education and fundraising event for breast cancer [1]. The first run was in 1983. It took place in Dallas, Texas with 800 participants. Today, it has grown to a global series of more than 140 races with 1.6 million people participating on four continents. Race for the Cure features 5 Km runs and fitness walks. The series of events raises significant funds and awareness for breast cancer as well as celebrates breast cancer survivorship and honors those who have lost their battle with the disease [1]. In 2010, more than 1.6 million participants and over 100, 000 volunteers participated in the series. Komen St Louis Race for the Cure had over 71, 800 participants making it the largest race ever.

The Komen Race for the Cure was born when Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister Susan G. Komen she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. Today, Komen for the Cure is the world’s largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all and energise science to find the cures [2]. Since its inception in 1982, $1.9 Billion has been raised towards breast cancer research through their events as well as contributions from partners, sponsors and supporters.

Komen Race for the Cure has international races conducted by Komen Affiliates in Germany, Italy and Puerto Rico. Komen Race for the Cure is currently collaborating with select NGOs in Europe, the Caribbean, Africa (North and Sub-Saharan), the Middle East, Latin America and Western Asia to host co-branded, culturally appropriate races. In total, 16 international Races were held worldwide in 2011 [3].

Komen Race for The Cure are customers of Active Network. Active Network provide tailored sports management software packages for charity events just like Komen Race for the cure, enabling the events to be efficient, well organised and successful.

"Times are tough, and the need for our services is greater than ever. That's why it's so important to have a system that makes it easy to tap into the generosity of thousands who join us as we "race for the cures". But far more important than the system are the people who stand behind it. The people we've dealt with at Active far exceed our expectations (which are high!) for excellent customer service." - Maureen Keenan Meldrum, Chair, Komen Race for the cure [4].

References
 * 1) Susan G. Komen for the Cure (2011). About the Race. Retrieved from http://apps.komen.org/raceforthecure/FindARacefortheCure.aspx
 * 2) Susan G. Komen for the Cure (2011). Our Work. Retrieved from http://ww5.komen.org/AboutUs/OurWork.html
 * 3) Susan G. Komen for the Cure (2011). About Us. Retrieved from http://ww5.komen.org/AboutUs/AboutUs.html
 * 4) The Active Network (2011). Our Customers. Retrieved from http://www.activegiving.com/our-customers.htm