Runners, supporters pack Raleigh for Race for the Cure

For Tamara Nuckols, 45, of Lynchburg, Va., this was her first race. Nuckols lived with stage four cancer for nine years, but she called her life a win-win.

"I live every day just knowing that I am blessed to be able to have the day," she said.

Others including Elonda Hicks, took part in the race to fight for loved ones.

"It is a reminder that not everyone wins the battle, but we thank God for those that have," Hicks said.

Money raised from race registration fees and runner sponsors funds Komen's efforts in breast cancer education, providing breast cancer screening to underserved communities and treatment programs.

"The state of North Carolina has one of the largest populations of breast cancer researchers in the country," said Dr. Kimberly Blackwell, an oncologist with Duke University Hospital.

As for Nuckols, she said the race was about giving back to those who have done the work - the clinical trials - that have helped save her life.

"Those are the people who have done the work to be able to get me on the medicines I want that help me survive," she said.