Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, that she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever.

In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched the global breast cancer movement. 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 energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Komen Race for the Cure®, we have invested nearly $1 billion to fulfill our promise, becoming the largest source of nonprofit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world.

The Komen Race for the Cure Wichita^® was started in 1990 by the Junior League of Wichita. The Wichita Race was the first Komen co-ed Race and the 4th in the Foundation’s history. The race was held the first weekend in April on the beautiful grounds of Pizza Hut International and the course ran through the Forest Hills housing addition. The 1990 Race was the largest first year road race in Kansas history with over 1400 participants. The Komen Free Mammography Program was started with the first year’s proceeds, and continues today. The fund has provided over 17,000 free mammograms in the state of Kansas. The Wichita Komen Free Mammography Program was the first such program in the Komen Foundation and served as a model program for many cities as they established their own Komen Race for the Cure Events.

In 1993, the newly established Susan G. Komen For The Cure Mid-Kansas Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen For The Cure assumed control for the race from the Junior League of Wichita. In 1995, the Race was moved to the present location at Towne East Mall, with the course running through the tiny city of Eastborough. The event was moved to the fall to coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness month (October), and to hopefully avoid cold spring showers.

Today, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Wichita^® attracts runners and walkers from a four state area. The race continues to be a favorite of local and state elite runners, as well as those participating in support of the Komen mission and loved ones touched by breast cancer. The Wichita Race is an uplifting event, fun for the whole family, or a way for co-workers and friends to participate in a fun event and show support for a friend or loved one.