Hundreds begin 3-day Tampa Bay walk for breast cancer research

CLEARWATER

A gaggle of walkers put their first foot to the pavement Friday morning for the Tampa Bay Breast Cancer 3-Day.

At least 1,500 walkers and many more supporters gathered at Sand Key Park in Clearwater to attend the opening ceremonies for the event. Participants will trek 60 miles through Tampa Bay over three days.

They have raised a minimum of $2,300, hosting garage sales and charity events. They walk an average of 20 miles a day donning the pink outfits, bright team T-shirts and ribbons scribbled with names of people affected by breast cancer. The walkers get snacks and breaks along the way. They'll set up overnight camp in tents, where they'll be entertained by a live band.

The event is in its fifth year in Tampa Bay. It happens in 15 cities across the country annually, raising millions of dollars for breast cancer research. The Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation receives 85 percent of the proceeds. The rest goes to the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund.

Visit or call toll-free at 1-800-996-3329 for more information.