People in Akron wishing to take part in the Susan G. Komen "Race for the Cure" to support breast cancer research had to take part in Cleveland's race - until this year.

Akron's first "Race For The Cure" drew over 12-hundred participants on over 65 teams on Sunday, racing and walking the 5K event - just over 3 miles - from Firestone Stadium to Firestone Country Club.

Many were breast cancer survivors - like 10 year survivor Julie Jones, the University of Akron softball coach who was the top finisher. She says she's had "interesting challenges" over the past few years.

"You don't think about it every day now, after 10 years," Jones tells AkronNewsNow.com. "but you still think about it...and you hear of other people who have reoccurences, but you hope it won't be you."

Jones says the race definitely helps keep the fight against breast cancer in the public eye.

"It creates awareness, and hopefully teaches young kids that early detection is very, very important," Jones says.

Sandy Minor says raising money is important to her treatments, having just found out she had breast cancer. She just had surgery in May.

"Right now, I'm going through chemotherapy," Minor tells AkronNewsNow.com. "And because of the cancer research and all the money donated, there's easier chemotherapy treatments for me. I'm doing very well with the new treatments because of the research."

Others came to support victims they know. Cheryl Adkins came her cousin Jessica Krause, who died of breast cancer at 29 years old.

"We are here to support (Jessica), 100 percent," Adkins tells AkronNewsNow.com. "Her younger sister is here, volunteering, and she walked the 5K race."

Stephanie Valente is part of a team put together by Alfred Ciraldo, to honor his late wife.

"We're running with the team 'Ciraldo's Crusaders for the Cure'," Valente explains, "and it's in memory of his wife Debbie Ciraldo. And he's raised his family in her absence, and he's done a great job. And every year, he puts a team together in her honor."

It took over 200 volunteers to help run Akron's first "Race for the Cure".

The race is linked this year with the Bridgestone Invitational World Golf Championships.

Competitors are urged to wear pink on the tournament's final day next Sunday to promote breast cancer awareness.