More than 25,000 people participated in the Race for the Cure at Cal Expo early Saturday morning. The starting line was flooded with the color pink: tutus, bathing suit tops, beads and wigs.

Image by: Alejandra Gonzalez

The Susan G. Komen Sacramento Race for the Cure celebrated 15 years of fundraising for breast health education, awareness and breast cancer research.

Image by: Alejandra Gonzalez

Prior to the 5-kilometer race, the runners and walkers danced Zumba to get their body moving and celebrate uniting for this cause.

Image by: Alejandra Gonzalez

Building up the crowd’s energy, KCRA news reporter Edie Lambert had pink beaded necklaces for the runners as they began the race.

Image by: Alejandra Gonzalez

“You don’t have to, you know, to get these beads,” she said.

Image by: Alejandra Gonzalez

Runners took off, which left the walking groups marching with catchy sign names like “BoobiWockeez,” “Bam Bam’s Ta Ta’s” and “Newbies4Boobies.” Their creative signs gave the race a moment of comic relief.

Image by: Alejandra Gonzalez

Breast cancer continues to burden many women’s lives and families.

Image by: Alejandra Gonzalez

“I was diagnosed with breast cancer 12 years ago and have been racing ever since,” Maria Venegas said.

Image by: Alejandra Gonzalez

This Mother’s Day weekend, women, men and pets united to show their gratitude and support the cause.

Children participated in a race of their own, in which they all received first-place medals.

The runners and walkers raced with smiles and tears as they crossed the finish line.

Image by: Alejandra Gonzalez

Cindy Kinley walked with her family in celebration of her mom and aunt. “We have been doing this for years,” she said. “It’s sort of a family tradition. We are racing for our mom and our aunt, who are survivors.”

Image by: Alejandra Gonzalez

Following the race, the survivor ceremony was coated with high emotion. The ceremony commenced with honoring chants as the women survivors were announced and applauded as they walked down the aisle to their seats.

Image by: Alejandra Gonzalez

Their smiles showed their strength and beauty, some survivors celebrated with each other swing dancing in front of the stage.

Image by: Alejandra Gonzalez

Race for the Cure was an inspirational event in honoring the women who have fought against breast cancer and continue to fight “like a girl.”