Milw. Lakefront a sea of pink Sunday during Race for the Cure

Race for the Cure in Milwaukee on Sunday

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Milwaukee's Lakefront on Sunday was a sea of pink, as folks lined up, ready to run.

According to local presenting sponsor Kohl's Cares, 20,000 participants took part in this year's race -- with a goal of raising $1.2 million for breast cancer research. Additionally, folks looked to raise awareness of the disease.

Milwaukee's Annisa Walid is part of the Sisters Network, a national organization representing African-American breast cancer survivors.

"We're here as survivors to let everybody else know that there's hope. Early detection is the best detection. This is what we’re trying to say to everyone. 'Women, take care of yourselves,'" Walid said.

The care involves regular screenings, including self-examinations.

Doctors recommend those screenings start earlier if one has a family history of breast cacner, in order to increase their chances of joining the more than 2.5 million breast cancer survivors.

"I’m so excited for when the survivors go up, on the MAM bridge. It’s one of the most beautiful moments—when that race starts," 2013 Race for the Cure Co-Chair Melissa Flynn said.

During the past 15 years, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure has raised more than $7.6 million locally in the continuing battle against breast cancer.