The weather for the 2024 CIBC Run for the Cure couldn’t have been better for everyone involved. The annual fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society was held at Douglas Park in Regina under a blue and bright sunny sky, a contrast to the conditions for last year’s event when it was raining and windy.

“I think because the weather was much better this year, people’s spirits are a bit better – everyone seemed to be way more into it and excited. We actually had fewer participants this year than last year by about a couple hundred, so it’s interesting that today just felt much bigger maybe it’s just because the weather was incredible despite yesterday,” said Aurora Marinari, Co-Chair of the CIBC Run for the Cure Committee, comparing the gusty winds the City experienced on Saturday to the calm, sunny weather on Sunday.

One thousand people registered for the one kilometre or five kilometre run; the one kilometre run was done at the Douglas Park Track and Field site and the five kilometre run was around the park itself. The event started with a brief walk by cancer survivors. Marinari noted about 60 to 70 were involved this year which is down from 100 the previous year, but believes it doesn’t take away from the importance of holding the event.

“I think that should be a clear indication of why we’re here raising the money and raising awareness because we need to be doing more to make sure that we’re helping them beat (cancer).”

While the number of participants was down as Marinari mentioned, the amount fundraised was the highest ever for the event at $298,000, surpassing the goal of $275,000. The top individual online fundraiser was Alison Wright with $14,399.20 and the top team online fundraiser was “Run4Mama” with $25,512.90.

“That’s just incredible to me, so I’m just really grateful for what the community has done to help us with this,” said Marinari. “To see that we had fewer participants but somehow raised more money I think really just highlighted that, a: that’s just how giving Saskatchewan people are but also how important this cause is to people.”

Combining other Run for the Cure events held across Canada, more than $15-million was raised. In addition to breast cancer research, the proceeds also help thousands of people get to their breast cancer treatments, provides support for people through peer-to-peer platforms, and provides “3,300 wigs, headwear, and breast protheses,” says the Canadian Cancer Society website.

Also at the event was a rack that people could hang a piece of paper on, saying who they were running for – all of whom were individuals who had fought breast cancer from relatives, to spouses, to friends, and co-workers.

Everyone’s attire consisted of pink, white, and black, with inspirational text on them; one team had a shirt that read “no one fights alone”. Marinari loved the creativity teams showed to stand out.

Now that this year’s Run for the Cure is in the rear view mirror, the focus shifts to next year. Marinari said the work begins when the calendar flips to 2025, when the Cancer Society posts volunteer positions, operate a run director training session in April, and planning from April to October. They will also be looking to fill the Co-Chair position in Regina, as this year marks the last Marinari will be involved after eight years in the role.

Next year’s Run for the Cure is set for Sunday, October 5, 2025.

You can hear the interview with Aurora Marinari in its entirety below.