History and Background
 

The purpose of the Alaska Run for Women organization is to raise money for and awareness of breast cancer and other women's health issues, and to showcase the talents of Alaska's women athletes. This is accomplished through:

• an annual women's running and walking event that serves as a vehicle for fundraising, participation, awareness and competition, and
   

• grant making to organizations concerned with breast cancer research, education, outreach, prevention and early detection, and other health issues of women

The Alaska Run for Women is an annual woman’s running race and walking event which raises money for organizations concerned with breast cancer research and outreach. This event is sponsored by a nonprofit corporation that is run by a diverse, volunteer board of directors. In addition to managing the organization, the board distributes the funds raised each year. A mostly, volunteer race committee produces the run.

Since 1993, the event has grown from 700 to more than 4,600 participants, including many walkers. Spectators and volunteers join the participants to make this a festive event, as well as a supportive one for the nearly 300 breast cancer survivors who take part. The breast cancer survivors are easily spotted by the special hats that they wear- a small symbol to honor them for what they have been through. Many participants wear cards honoring a loved one who has survived breast cancer, or remembering someone who has not.

Over fifteen years, the Alaska Run for Women has netted over $2.2 million dollars in cash and donated mammograms, all of which have been distributed to organizations associated with breast cancer. Of the cash distributed, 70% goes to Alaskan organizations for education, early detection, and programs serving breast cancer survivors. The mammograms are given to low-income women through local nonprofits. The remaining 30% is contributed to breast cancer research. In past years, the research funds were donated to either the Susan G. Komen Foundation in Dallas, Texas, or a national organization for breast cancer research. A complete list of previous grant recipients is available upon request.

The Alaska Run for Women’s success in raising funds results from the generosity of the major donors whose cash and in-kind gifts underwrite the entire cost of staging the annual event. This means that 100% of the participant donations go to the cause. Participant donations have averaged more than $22/person. Merchandise sales, a raffle, and excess donor gifts, which are not needed for event expenses, further increase the funds available to fight breast cancer.

The Alaska Run for Women is a unique and special event, which brings people together towards a number of common goals. It raises money for an important cause, while educating and raising awareness about breast cancer in the community. It showcases the talents of Alaska’s women athletes in their own competitive event. Finally, it inspires and motivates women, both young and old, to do something healthy for themselves.