TEXARKANA - The sight of downtown Texarkana filling up with cars and people before sunrise would ordinarily seen unusual for a Saturday morning - except for a lively tradition that's 21 years old.
That tradition, which usually features more than 3,000 walkers, runners and joggers, drew perhaps more than that for the annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.
At least 250 breast cancer survivors participated in celebration of the support they receive from year to year.
"Looking out at this crowd this morning, it is easy to see that an effort like this, can't be the work of any one person," said Charles Bell, a representative of both EZ Mart and GPM, two of the largest sponsors of the race. "This effort takes many, many people to help find a cure for breast cancer and we are so glad to see all of you out here to day."
The determination to help by literally racing for the cure manifested itself in more then 100 runners in the event, one them being Texas High School junior Fezeka Barnes. Fezeka wound up being one of the earliest runners to finish the race.
"I've run with cross country teams since I was in the fifth grade and last year was my first time to be in this race," Fezeka said. "I've always been involved in gymnastics, but now I want to follow in my older sister's footsteps and run in track and field."
Abby Pickett, a local resident who came in first for her category of female runners age 20 to 29, said she loved getting a chance to participate in the race this year.
"I wanted to be a part of this awesome community event," Pickett said. "I've been involved in athletics all my life, but competing in this race felt so great. It's my second time to be in a 5K. It was a challenge, but the hard work paid off. It was also good to hold this race downtown because things are really starting to come back to life here."
Texas-side resident Jennell Ingram said she's been able to participate in 20 of the 21 races so far.
"I love doing this, especially in celebration of a lady I know - Linda Hooks," Ingram said. "She is now a 7-year survivor. I also like seeing this race now being held downtown because it brings people here and the parking is good."