Monthly Archives: July 2025

Tips to Protect Yourself from the Sun

July is UV Safety Awareness Month and a great time to remind our Susan G. Komen 3-Day®  community how important it is to protect your skin from the sun, especially on your event weekend which will be filled with up to 60-miles of walking.  

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ultraviolet (UV) rays are a type of invisible radiation that comes from the sun and other artificial sources like tanning beds. Overexposure to UV rays can damage skin cells and increase the risk of skin cancer.  

With plenty of sunshine expected along this year’s 3-Day route, take a few simple precautions to stay sun-safe: 

  • Seek shade: When spending a good amount of time outside, try to stay in the shade. Use an umbrella, or find shade under a tree, especially during midday hours. Don’t underestimate the sun’s rays (especially on cloudy days). 
  • Clothes: Wear clothes that cover your arms and legs when you’re outside. 
  • Sunscreen: The CDC recommends applying sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) 15 or higher. Reapply after two hours, especially if you’re sweating.  
  • Hat: Put on a wide-brimmed hat to shade your face, heads, ears and neck. 
  • Sunglasses: To protect your eyes from UV rays, put on a pair of sunglasses. 

As we rack up the miles in preparation for, and at the 3-Day, remember that sun safety is important. Protecting your skin will help ensure you’re strong and ready for every step of the 3-Day journey. 

 

3-Day Packing Essentials

The 2025 Susan G. Komen 3-Day® is almost here, have you started thinking about what to pack? Whether you’re making it a road trip or taking a flight to get to your event, preparation ahead of time will make all the difference. From must-have toiletries to on-route essentials, we’ve put together a handy checklist for hotel and camping to help you roll into the Pink Bubble fully prepped and ready to go.

WHAT TO BRING

Gear: Bring one piece of luggage, 35 pounds or less, that is clearly labeled with your name, participant identification number and cell phone number. Make sure it’s marked with something such as a unique luggage tag to help you pick it out of a crowd (Don’t use a trash bag or bungee cords).

Clothing: (for all types of weather)

  • Two pairs of broken-in shoes
  • T-shirts & shorts
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Underwear & sports bra
  • Two pairs of socks per day
  • Sweat pants, long pants, leggings
  • Warm fleece or sweater
  • Sleepwear
  • Hat or visor
  • Pack a few outfits for each day to change after returning to camp

Toiletries: Event hotels tend to have toiletries available to you, but we strongly recommend packing everything you might need for your hygiene and comfort.

  • Sunscreen
  • Toothpaste/toothbrush
  • moisturizer
  • shampoo, conditioner
  • deodorant, razor
  • hair ties/hairbrush
  • Also, don’t forget any prescription medication that you take regularly

First Aid: On event the Medical Crew will have supplies to tend to any major medical issues, but we recommend bringing your own supplies for treating minor medical and personal problems you might need along the route like band aids, petroleum jelly, antacid and pain relievers.

Miscellaneous: Don’t forget to print and pack your credentials before showing up on event! (2-Day Walkers and 1-Day Walkers will receive your credentials when you arrive at the event). We also suggest bringing anything you may use daily or to document your experience in the Pink Bubble including a phone charger, journal, camera and your Bank of America Pink Ribbon Banking card to secure a special gift in camp!

Camping: For those camping at the San Diego 3-Day, you will spend each night in a 6.5’x 6.5’ tent. For maximum comfort, you’ll want to bring some camping gear such as a sleeping bag and pillow, an air mattress or camping pad, plastic sheets or a tarp to keep your tent and gear dry in case of rain, a headlamp or flashlight and mylar blankets. Make it more festive and throw in some decorations for your tent. You could earn a Tent Flair legacy pin!

On the route: Aside from your main piece of luggage, we recommend bringing a waist pack for use on the route with a few essentials you may want or need along your journey. We suggest packing this ahead of time so you’re sure to have everything you need out on the route. You may want to include in your waist pack a portable charger, sunglasses, sunscreen, money/credit card, identification and a water bottle to refill along the way. Keep it light, but fill it with anything you will possibly need. We serve water and sports drinks from large containers, but you must bring your own water bottle.

WHAT NOT TO BRING

Although fundraising is a core part of the Komen 3-Day, please don’t bring any donations, cash or otherwise, to the event. Be sure to have all your dollars added directly to your personal fundraising page before arriving at the hotel or campsite. To prevent loss or theft of any kind, leave behind any valuables such as fine jewelry, designer goods, or large amounts of cash. For safety reasons, headphones or portable music players are not permissible while walking on event so, although you may use them while traveling, leave them in your hotel room before heading out on the route each morning.

We highly recommend: On Thursday night before the Opening Ceremony, be sure to charge your phone, print your credential and plan for a morning snack/breakfast. Be sure your waist pack is stocked with everything you need (extra socks, lip balm, etc.) and don’t forget your water bottle!

We can’t wait to see you in the Pink Bubble!