The capitol grounds were covered in pink last Saturday when over 23,000 people showed up to participate in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

Breast cancer survivors and others touched by the cause showed up to run or walk the 5K race to raise money for cancer research. The Des Moines race is one of the largest in the nation, said Drake University junior Allie LeClair who ran Saturday.

“Looking down the hill, I saw probably 500 people and it was one of the most amazing sights I’ve ever seen,” LeClair said. It was very touching, she said. “Everyone felt that way walking down the first hill.”

The event had a survivors parade, a 5K timed run, a 5K walk, a 1-mile walk and a kids’ race. Many people had pink race tags on their backs in memory of people who had died.

“It was really emotional to listen to their stories,” Leclair said. “One person had been diagnosed a year ago that day. She thought her life was going to be over, but she’s still here.”

Along with the races, there were vendor booths with fee samples and more pink goods.

“It was a really cool event, but emotional and touching,” LeClair said.

For more information, or to donate money to the cause, visit http://www.komendesmoines.org.

Photos: Connor McCourtney