SEEKING A CURE

Looking for a way to jump-start your fitness routine? October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and is chock-full of chances to get moving. From Pinellas to Pasco, the Tampa Bay area offers several events that combine exercise and awareness. So get your running shoes on and hit the pavement for a good cause.

Ninth annual Susan G. Komen Florida Suncoast Race for the Cure

-What: Race includes a 5K for serious runners and another 5K for the less serious. There's also a 1-mile fun run/walk for the kiddies. Bonus is 75 percent of funds raised stay in the Tampa Bay area.

-When: 8 a.m. Saturday; early registration begins at 6 a.m.

-Where: Vinoy Park, St. Petersburg.

To get involved: Call (727) 734-7832, toll-free 1-877-506-6927 or visit www.komensuncoast.org.

Susan G. Komen Tampa Bay Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk

-What: Participants walk 60 miles over three days. In between, they camp at sites set up by the organization. (Warm showers included.) It's the third year for the event in Tampa, one of 12 such events taking place across the country.

-When: Oct. 19-21.

-Where: Walk begins at Sand Key Park in Clearwater on Oct. 19 and ends at Spa Beach Park in St. Petersburg on Oct. 21.

-To get involved: Call 1-800-996-3DAY (3329) or visit www.the3day.org.American Cancer Society

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk

-What: This is the society's premier event to raise awareness and money for breast cancer research. The walk is generally 3 to 5 miles and not competitive. It takes place in three different locations this year.

-When: The Dade City walk begins at 9 a.m. Oct. 20 at the Little Everglades Steeplechase; the Tampa walk starts at 9 a.m. Oct. 27 at the St. Pete Times Forum; and the St. Petersburg walk begins at 9 a.m. Oct. 27 at North Straub Park.

-To get involved: Call 1-800-ACS-2345 (227-2345) or go to www.cancer.org/stridesonline.

By the numbers: Breast cancer

Awareness is the No. 1 way to beat breast cancer, but did you also know that ...

180,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year.

1,700 men are told they have breast cancer each year.

2.2 times as many black women as white die from breast cancer.

10 percent of breast cancer cases are the inherited type.

41,000 women die from breast cancer each year.

Sources: John Wayne Cancer Institute and the National Cancer Institute.