About 55K join Twin Cities Race for the Cure

Turnout at this year's Susan G. Komen Twin Cities Race for the Cure has bettered last year's event.

About 55,000 runners, walkers and wheelchair participants gathered at the Mall of America for Sunday's event. They raised about $2.5 million for breast cancer research, education, screening and preliminary treatment programs.

About 50,000 men, women and children participated in last year's event.

Among this year's highlights: Olympic gold medal gymnast Nastia Liukin led a team of nearly 50 walkers.

Organizers say the Komen Twin Cities Race for the Cure is one of the largest 5K runs and fitness walks in the world that raises money and awareness for the fight against breast cancer.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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