SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Thousands of people gathered at Southern Maine Community College Sunday morning for a triathlon to raise money for cancer research in Maine.
The fifth annual Tri for a Cure put on by the Maine Cancer Foundation drew more than 1,000 women from Maine and several other states to swim, bike, and run for cancer research.
Cancer Foundation Director Tara Hill says this year's event raised $1.2 million, and the money will go towards cancer education, research, and patient support in Maine. She says not only is the Tri for a Cure a great community event, but it's also extremely meaningful for the participants.
"I think it's really empowering to them. You'll see the passion. It's not like any other tri you've seen. The support that every participant gives to every other participant is truly amazing and inspiring. We have many cancer survivors and many people who've had cancer touch their lives and want to make a difference, and they really are making a difference."
Hill says since the Tri for a Cure started five years ago, the Maine Cancer Foundation has raised more than $4 million from the event.
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