“I can’t believe it!” quipped a walker at 6 a.m. on Friday morning. “It’s always raining during the Opening Ceremony in Cleveland and look at this!” Indeed, Dock 32 appeared pristine as the walkers gathered and the sun peeked above the beautiful city of Cleveland for the Susan G. Komen 3-Day^®. The dedicated community of supporters of the Komen 3-Day here were electrified by the stories of survivors and poured out onto the streets of Cleveland in excellent weather and even better spirits. (See photographs from the event here.)

A walker reaches pit stop 1, greeted by the cheering crew on the Cleveland 3-Day

After passing the stadiums of Cleveland and moving out near the lake’s edge west of the city, walkers pushed into the neighborhoods of Lakewood and Rocky River and towards Westlake Recreation Center, which would be home for the next two nights. Both singers and dancers entertained the crowd during dinner and during a great camp show. What a great way to end Day 1!

The last walker of Day 2 is greeted by Dr. Sheri and the camp after the raising of the flag

After what could be called no less than a torrential rain overnight, the resilient walkers set out their bedding to dry while they took on the 21.5-mile route on Day 2, complete with two cheerleading stations, many private companies and families (thank you!) and warm weather.  Local dancers and singers again prepped the crowd for the evening, which included touching stories from participants, tributes to fundraisers, and fun games from sponsors New Balance and Bank of America.

The 2013 Cleveland 3-Day camp is illuminated at sunrise

With only a few showers overnight, the walkers were treated to an exceptional sunrise and a 16.9-mile route that led through the beautiful Valley Parkway. Special thanks to the friends, family and community who showed their support at some great cheering stations on Day 3!  If the walkers were weary, they didn’t show it as they marched triumphantly into the Closing Ceremony amid cheers and hugs.  The crowd fell silent as shoes were lifted high by the walkers in deference to those survivors of breast cancer in the Survivors’ Circle. The crowd went wild after the announcement of $1.3 million raised by Cleveland for the fight to end breast cancer. Thank you to the dedicated community of Cleveland!

The Bank of America tent relaxes walkers after a long day on the route

The last pink tent of the Cleveland 3-Day is taken down on Sunday morning

The cheerful team of “60 Miles of Smiles” glides through the route on Day 3

The influential team of “Breast Man Walking” finishes strong amid cheers and tears at the Cleveland 3-Day