From Sept. 16 to 18, the Seattle Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure raised $5.3 million for breast cancer research and community-based breast health and education programs.

About 2,000 men and women participated in the event, which included cheering stations at Idylwood Park and Trader Joe’s in Redmond.

“We are so thankful for Seattle’s continued support of our mission to end breast cancer,” said national 3-Day national spokesperson Sheri Phillips. “This is our seventh successful event in Seattle and we are excited to announce the 3-Day for the Cure will return to this amazing city for the 2012 Series.”

Preparation for the event began months ago with participants training and fundraising in their local communities. Participants raised a minimum of $2,300 and walked an average of 20 miles a day for three consecutive days. They walked throughout the Puget Sound area, camping two nights at Marymoor Park. The 60-mile walk ended with a closing ceremony at Memorial Stadium at the Seattle Center.

Since its inception, the 3-Day for the Cure has raised nearly $600 million for innovative global breast cancer research and local community programs supporting education, screening and treatment. In fiscal year 2010, Komen made grants to more than 1,900 community organizations totaling more than $93 million.

The 3-Day walk will return to the Northwest Sept. 14–16, 2012. For more information or to register, visit www.The3Day.org. For opportunities to support the breast cancer movement in Seattle year-round — including the Komen Race for the Cure — contact the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Puget Sound Affiliate at (206) 633-0303 or www.komenpugetsound.org.