Kicking off the 2025 event season, the Pink Bubble said goodbye to Denver Aug. 1-3! Courageous participants walked amongst the mountains in the Mile High City and nearby Boulder to complete 60, 40 or 20 miles over the course of three days. Together, 610 walkers and crew raised nearly $1.3 million for breast cancer research, community health, patient care and advocacy.

Day 1 

The Susan G. Komen Denver 3-Day® began with announcements and a touching Opening Ceremony, an opportunity for walkers and crew to gather for the first time before setting out on the route. The spirit of the Pink Bubble radiated as the room filled with excited participants ready to embark on Day 1 of the 3-Day. Event co-host Lori Maris began by recognizing national series sponsors Mohawk Flooring, Ready and XPO, as well as longtime national presenting sponsor Bank of America, and reminded walkers of the rules of the road.  

She also introduced the 3-Day’s new RFID technology, which means no more scanning of credentials when you start or finish your walk. This change means increased safety with better visibility of where walkers are throughout each day, and no more stopping and scanning, including at the start or finish lines! The ceremony rounded out with speakers sharing their reasons for walking; Carla V. for her sister Trina, who is living with metastatic breast cancer, and Jacki P. as a 29-year survivor. Following their heartfelt stories, the room filled with emotion as we welcomed Carol P. to raise the Promise Flag in honor of those who we’ve lost to breast cancer. 

The weather was even more lovely than expected, with sunshine and comfortable temperatures all along the route. The end of the day brought the Celebration of Champions, sponsored by Bank of America, honoring top fundraisers and teams, and introducing the 2025 3-Day dance. Raffle prizes were also provided by Bank of America to lucky winners in attendance.  

New for 2025 were participant superlative awards chosen by the 3-Day Advisory Council, veteran 3-Day walkers and crew members who, in addition to raising money and walking 60 miles, also volunteer to serve this group, working closely with Komen all year long to help steward this special community.  

Coach Susan presented the Milestone Award to 22-year participant Sue T., who has raised over $165,000 across the incredible 61 events she has walked.  

The Crew Impact award went to Mary M., who celebrated her 30th 3-Day with us. She was honored with remarks by her sister, Janet.

Finally, Komen’s senior vice president of mission Victoria Smart and research grants manager Dr. Andrea Casillas introduced ShareForCures, a breakthrough initiative by which more than a thousand survivors are helping to fuel breakthrough research.  

Day 2 

This sunny day began with 2-Day Walkers checking in and everyone hopping aboard a 3-Day bus to Boulder for a scenic route through the Rocky Mountains. The buses rolled into the beautiful East Boulder Park where walkers were greeted by porta-potties and a hydration station to ensure they began their day on the right foot. With mountains in every direction, no matter where the route took them, walkers were in for a stunning view!  

As they continued, they met with a variety of delicious snacks provided by Ready at Pit 1, and the Memorial Mile next to a community garden, which served as a peaceful moment of reflection for those who have lost their lives while celebrating the growing life in the surrounding fields.  

After honoring the Memorial Mile, they were soon welcomed to a delicious lunch at the halfway point of their 60-mile journey! From here they continued through the hilly streets of Boulder until nearby lightning caused a precautionary evacuation of the route for everyone’s safety—thank you for your patience while everyone was bused back from Boulder! 

After returning to camp and enjoying Bank of America’s Main Street with massage chairs and ShopKomen merchandise, walkers ate dinner together before the evening Honor Ceremony.  

The ceremony began with the 2025 Denver Youth Corps, who raised $8,930 ahead of the event. Youth Corps kicked things off by sharing who inspires them to participate in the 3-Day and were followed by speakers Amy C. and Dana C., who shared their stories and honored their “why.” As they stepped off the stage, the 3-Day community lit candles in tribute to the friends and family who continue to inspire their participation. After sharing many hugs and tears, walkers and crew called it a night and rested up for their final day of the Denver 3-Day. 

Day 3 

Sunday began by welcoming our 1-Day Walkers into the Pink Bubble before all walkers made their way out on the route, ready for the final day in the Mile High City! Walkers enjoyed sunshine and scenic views all day long as they passed through RiNo Arts District, over South Platte River, and ventured into Edgewater.  

With the Colorado sun radiating strongly, walkers were offered hydration and food at pit stops, grab-and-go lunches, where they had the chance to take a cute photo in front of the flower wall. After resting their feet, walkers continued their journey as our friends from XPO cheered them on and offered snacks, candy, water, and sports drinks to give the extra push through their final miles.  

For those needing a little boost from one spot to another, sweep vans came to the rescue! Whether on foot or in a sweep van, walkers passed by Sloans Lake Park and Empower Field at Mile High Stadium before parading into the Finish Line Festival at the Tivoli Quad.

As they proudly stepped across the Mohawk Pink Carpet, walkers were celebrated by friends, family, crew, and Susan G. Komen for their tremendous accomplishment. As we anticipated the last walker, participants were able to take photos and get some swag before retrieving their victory shirt and Bank of America medal. We welcomed the last walker home before our spectacular crew lined the way toward the stage as courageous survivors and thrivers walked in, grounding us in why we walk.  

It was then revealed that the over 600 crew members of over 610 walkers and crew of the 2025 Denver 3-Day raised a collective $1.3 million to support the fight against breast cancer. The funds raised will be used to invest in cutting-edge research that will lead to new, more effective treatments, work in communities across the country to ensure all people can access the care they need, and mobilize passionate supporters to make certain the voice of the breast cancer community is heard by policymakers.

Thank you so much to everyone who joined us at our last 3-Day in Denver! We hope you’ll join us next season as we return to Tampa Bay to walk beneath the palms, and we can’t wait to see you there!