LITTLE ROCK — Saturday’s Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure is expected to draw 46,000 participants - most of them female. The race, which raises money to fund breast cancer research, is the fourth largest Komen event worldwide and the only one that excludes males from its signature event - the Saturday morning 5K.
But there are still plenty of ways families (yes, even the boys and men) can join the festivities.
On race day, about 5,000 people are expected to participate in the Family Fun Walk. The 2K (1.2 mile) course crosses the Arkansas River twice, taking participants past loads of race route entertainment, including bands, dancers, firefighters and their trucks, dog agility shows, a motorcycle club and even flexible folks practicing yoga. The route is closed to traffic. Strollers and wagons are allowed, but bikes are not.
Before and after the big race, which begins at 8 a.m., there are plenty of activities downtown to keep families busy. National and local sponsors will have booths set up along the starting line of the race, and there are excellent freebies to be had. Think yogurt, pizza, and enough pink accessories to outfit the whole family. In addition, the main stage will feature musical entertainment and local media celebrities.
The place to be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday is on Broadway in Little Rock for the Survivors’ Parade. Known as the “Sea of Pink,” breast cancer survivors bedecked in all their pink finery carry signs showing how long they have been cancer free.
While Mom and the girls head to the 5K, Dad and the boys can join Three Miles of Men to cheer them on.
To register or for more information call (501) 202-4399 or visit komenarkansas.org.
Today is the last day to register online, but people can still register at the Race Space at Pleasant Ridge West at Pleasant Ridge Town Center, 11610 Pleasant Ridge Road, Suite 106-107 (behind Carino’s). The storefront is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. today and Thursday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday. Cost is $26 per person. Register children under the Kids for the Cure category (price is the same) and they will receive a child-size shirt. Children under 5 are free, but they do not receive a T-shirt.
The days leading up to the Race for the Cure are filled with pink hued gaieties as well.
Union Pacific is rolling in its Pink Ribbon Locomotive - bearing an image of the event’s signature ribbon - today at Union Pacific headquarters, 1000 W. Fourth St., North Little Rock. The locomotive will be on display noon-7 p.m. today and 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday.
For a new twist on a Little Rock classic, the Peabody Little Rock hotel is holding its fifth Pink Duck Walk at 5 p.m. Friday. The hotel’s mallard mascots will ride the elevator down to the lobby where they’ll waddle down a pink carpet to the lobby fountain. Errin Dean, 2006 race chairman and current sponsorship chairman, says to arrive early. “We started this in 2006 and it grows every year. Last year I think there were about 300 kids at the duck walk.” The event is free.
Soon after the ducks start splish splashing for the cause, a Pasta Party will be held from 5:30-8 p.m. Friday at North Little Rock’s Dickey-Stephens Park. According to Dean, “It’s a big party - a great time to eat and have fun before the race the next day.” The pasta’s from Romano’s Macaroni Grill. The Rockets will play music. Cost is $20 per person.
One unusual way some participate is The Tinkled Pink program, which invites groups to decorate a port-a-potty for $100. Past designs have included potties with princess thrones, wild use of jungle animal prints and even one with an Elvis theme.
Family activities began Oct. 3 at Kids for the Cure, with about 100 children running a short race around the state Capitol. Child friendly businesses and organizations were on hand to offer activities and freebies. “It had a carnivaltype atmosphere, and all the kids really loved it,” Dean said. “It was fun to watch them all run.”
Family, Pages 32 on 10/13/2010