Downtown Elmira was a sea of pink Sunday morning as thousands of people gathered to take part in the annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. Our Bill Mich was on hand and found out that winning the race took a back seat to honoring those who have battled cancer.

  To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

ELMIRA, N.Y. -- Sunday was more than just a race day in Elmira, it was a chance to celebrate friends and family members.

"This is so life affirming. Look at this day."

For this year's Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, about 100 teams signed up to participate in honor of someone who is currently fighting or has battled cancer.

Bucky Austin, a Cohocton resident said, “My wife was diagnosed with breast cancer back in the beginning of the year so my daughter and my sister-in-law went looking for something we can do to help with breast cancer."

Darci Baird, an Athens, Pennsylvania resident said, “I was diagnosed with cancer, it will be almost three years and these guys have been by my side since the day I was diagnosed."

Along with honoring those who have survived and remembering the ones who were lost, the 5K race was about raising money for a cure. In 2011, the event brought in about $160,000 and officials believe this year will surpass that total.

Ann Campbell, the Komen Twin Tiers President said, “The funds we raised here today, most of them will be spent locally in our community grants program that supports women without insurance or who are underinsured who need breast care treatment and service."

There is no denying that it was a party atmosphere Sunday morning. But a party with all the right intentions.

"We're just hoping that we can make a difference and maybe someday take care of cancer."