The course is set and the numbers for the bibs are drawn for participants in the second annual Susan G. Komen Bahamas Race for the Cure.
The gun, for the early morning 5k, will sound at 7 a.m. There has been an increase in participation for the event which has attracted cancer survivors and supporters. According to Shelly Wilson, organizer for both the Susan G. Komen Bahamas and the Marathon Bahamas races, more than 983 persons have registered, an increase from the 900 participants in 2011.
"Of course it is a fun run/walk but really the whole essence of the race series, whether that is in the United States or The Bahamas, is to showcase our cancer survivors for their strength and courage," said Wilson. "We end the race with a wonderful survivor ceremony where there will be local entertainment and we have a survivor only tent where they receive additional gifts, and the real white glove treatment."
The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure is held in the United States, The Bahamas, Belgium, Brazil, Egypt, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Germany, Italy, Israel, Jordan and Tanzania. It is said to be the world's largest and most successful education and fundraising event for breast cancer ever created.
It not only raises awareness for the movement, but brings survivors together to celebrate the victory with the battle. The international race first got started in 1983, in Dallas. To date, more than 140 races are held with millions participating.
Wilson said that attracting survivors to the events has been quite successful with a large contingent from the Sister Sister Breast Cancer Support Group participating, including several non-members.
"A lot of our Bahamian survivors travel to the United States on a regular basis to participate in the Susan G. Komen races overseas, but of course there is no place like home and getting that type of recognition for your courage and for what you've gone through at home is special," she said. "So in terms of getting the numbers of survivors, [it] has not been a challenge.
"There is another event taking place at the cancer society, [where] many of the local physicians that deal with breast cancer issues, as well as representatives from the Susan G. Komen Foundation who are here and have travelled from all across the United States are having a medical round table."
The 3rd Annual Marathon Bahamas will take place on Sunday, starting at 6:00 a.m. The race will start at Junkanoo Beach and end at Arawak Cay.  Runners can choose to compete in the full marathon, which is 26.2 miles, the half marathon or the four-man relay.
The half marathon will also start at Junkanoo Beach Club and end at Arawak Cay. Unlike the past two years, when a six-man relay was held, registered teams will consist of only four participants.

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