LITTLE ROCK — The streets of downtown Little Rock and North Little Rock will turn to rivers of pink at 8 a.m. Saturday when the 2009 Komen Arkansas Race for the Cure kicks off. Part of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Series, the local women’s 5K run/walk and family 2K walk/fun run is one of 120 races worldwide with more than 1.5 million participants.

The first race was held in Dallas in 1983 with the Arkansas Race for the Cure being founded in 1994 when 2,200 raced and helped raise $100,000 for breast cancer research and treatment. The 15th annual event last year raised more than $1.9 million and featured 45,000 women and three miles of men cheering them. The goal for 2009 is 46,000 participants and to raise $1.9 million.

The backbone of the event is the teams: collections of 10 or more women with colorful nicknames such as Pink Warriors, Pink Knockouts, Chemo Cuties and Walkers for Knockers who run or walk to raise funds for breast cancer research and raise awareness.

Here’s a brief look at a few of those teams and why they do what they do:

Cher the Joy

Team Captain: Katie McManners

Team members: “Katie McManners, Cheryl Weseman [McManners’ mom, a survivor], Vickie Roberson [McManners’ sister-in-law, a survivor], Andrea Baker, Denice Heatherly, Anna Heatherly, Judy Hutchinson, Alta McManners, Brenda McManners, Shelia Worthington, Sharon Godwin, Mandy McManners and Danielle Butler.

How long have you been a team? “This is the first year that we have been an official team; I have walked the race with my sisters-in-law in the past.”

Where does the team name come from? “The team is named after my mother, Cheryl “Cher” Barnard Weseman, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in summer 2008 and finished treatments in spring 2009.”

Sum up the personality of the team in a few sentences: “Life is too short not to cher (share) the joy!”

Why do you take part in the race each year? “I participated in the past because my sister-in-law Vicki is a survivor. This year it’s closer to home with mom having been through breast cancer. I want to acknowledge Vicki and mom’s struggle through and triumph over breast cancer, and raise money to support Komen’s efforts toward a cure.”

How do you celebrate following the race? “Eating!”

Does the team treat the race as purely fun or is it also competitive? “Fun.”

Any other comments? “It was during a visit to Arkansas in spring 2008 that [mom] noticed a dimple in her breast. ‘I think I’ll have it checked out when I return home,’ she said, ‘even though my annual visit isn’t for another few months.’ Sure glad she had it examined! ... I’m training for a half marathon (my first) in March 2010; when my runs feel difficult, what pulls me through is envisioning mom in the chemo chair. If she can endure that, I can endure whatever discomfort I’m experiencing!”

Ashlee’s Pink Posse

Team Captain: Ashlee Stephens

Team members: “Currently, we have 42 people signed up with team Ashlee’s Pink Posse.”

How long have you been a team? “This is our second year as a team.”

Where does the team name come from? “Me and a couple of my friends brainstormed and came up with our name. We wanted it to be a name that was eye catching and fun. My friend Julie has designed our T-shirts for the past two years.”

Are you sponsored by anyone? “We are not sponsored by any business, church or community organizations.”

Sum up the personality of the team in a few sentences: “Our team is made up of amazing women and men who are dedicated to finding a cure for breast cancer. Our team is vivacious and loving, made up of people from all walks of life with one common goal.”

Have members of the team or friends of the team been affected by breast cancer? “I personally take part in the race every year, but it took on a whole new meaning after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. Now I have my own team, made up of people I love and who support me.”

What’s your favorite part about the day of the race? “Our favorite part of the race is probably beforehand when we gather, take pictures and take in all of the energy around us. It’s an amazing experience.”

How do you celebrate following the race? “We did not do anything after the race last year, but will try to meet for lunch somewhere this year.”

Does the team treat the race as purely fun or is it also competitive? “We race strictly for fun, but some of us are going to try our hand at running this year.”

Kix Chicks

Team Captain: Anna Canterbury

Team members: “The 2009 members are Anna Canterbury, Leslie Canterbury, Heather Canterbury, Sharon Peterson, Libby Thomas, Karen Long, Missy Blakely, Jeri Rowe, Gina Angel, Betty Buck, Meagen Makovec, Magen Dame, Sandra Dickerson, Linda Benton, Judy Holley and Stefani O’Donohoe.”

How long have you been a team? “We have been a team for over 10 years, but, of course, some of the members have varied over the years. The ones that have been on the team for four years or longer [are] Anna Canterbury, Sharon Peterson, Heather Canterbury, Leslie Canterbury and Libby Thomas. We have a graphic designer on the team, Heather Canterbury, so she designs our shirts every year and does an amazing job.”

Where does the team name come from? “Since this is an all-female team, and we are sponsored by the leading country station in South Arkansas, KIXB, we decided years ago that we would be called the Kix Chicks.”

Sum up the personality of the team in a few sentences: “Happy, fun and energetic!”

Why do you take part in the race each year? “You have to experience the race at least once. That is all it takes. It’s addicting, and it’s a rush. We wouldn’t miss it!”

Have members of the team or friends of the team been affected by breast cancer? “Yes, we have three survivors on our team this year.”

What’s your favorite part about the day of the race? “Passing over the first bridge is a rush, but once you make it onto the second bridge, heading south, there is nothing like it. You are able to view the women still coming across the first bridge, and it really proves how much support truly exists for the Race for the Cure. That is awesome!”

How do you celebrate following the race? “With big hugs and a nice lunch!”

Does the team treat the race as purely fun or is it also competitive? “Both!”

RACE DAY EVENTS:

6 a.m. to 8 a.m.

Packet pick-up and registration at intersection of Fourth and Arch streets

6:30 a.m.

Survivor breakfast in Metropolitan Bank lobby

7:15 a.m.

Survivor photo

8 a.m.

Women’s 5K Run/Walk begins at intersection of Broadway and Second Street.

8:20 a.m.

Family 2K Fun Walk/Fun Run begins at intersection of Broadway and Second Street.

9:30 a.m.

Survivor Parade (The event is held at a new location this year at the intersection of Fourth Street and Broadway, and heading north.) A survivor luncheon follows immediately after the parade at Robinson Center Auditorium.