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Emotions can run high at Run for the Cure, but also brings people together, says official

Run for the Cure is set for Oct. 6 at Heritage Park in Barrie

In 50 days time, one of the biggest pushbacks in the battle against breast cancer will hit the ground running. 

The CIBC Run for the Cure Barrie/Orillia event started in 1999 and, to date, more than 31,000 participants have raised over $5.3 million in support breast-cancer research.

Volunter run director Shelley Irwin told BarrieToday that the 50-day mark is here, signaling the autumn event is just around the corner.

“It is a lot of work, for sure,” Irwin said at a flag-raising event Monday at Barrie City Hall. “This is called Paint Canada Pink Week and signifies 50 days until run day."

Run for the Cure takes place Oct. 6 at Heritage Park. 

Similar events are held nationwide and 80,000 people are expected to participate in 57 communities this year.

Participants can run or walk a 1K or 5K route, with many teams opting to come up with fun names and themes.

“It is such a great team-building event," Irwin said. "So many people make it fun for themselves as they dress up or sing and make noise.

“The other side of it is there are those who are celebrating either the life of a loved one or that of a survivor," she added. "It can be a very emotional day.”

The next event that will get Run for the Cure organizers into the community is the Celebrity Server fundraiser at Boston Pizza on Bryne Drive, Wednesday from 5-8 p.m.