A Guide to the Route: Pit Stop vs Grab & Go

The Susan G. Komen 3-Day® is filled with experiences and information that may seem foreign to first-time participants or even veterans. To ensure that you show up to the event as prepared as possible, we’re kicking off A Guide to the Route, a three-part series giving you a behind-the-scenes glance at what you’ll see while inside the Pink Bubble. Today we’ll be covering the differences between a pit stop and a grab & go. Future posts will talk about sweep vans and ceremonies, providing insightful information from those who create the event from the ground up.

When you arrive at the Komen 3-Day you’ll be handed a route card each day which provides information regarding the day’s mileage and schedule. You’ll probably notice a plethora of pit stops and the occasional grab & go along the route and may wonder exactly what these are. While similar in their purpose to provide you with a place to rest and fuel up, there is a difference between the two types of stops. It’s important to know what makes these two route stops unique, so that when you begin each day of the 3-Day®, you can plan accordingly and in a way that will help you safely reach the finish line. To ensure that you’re successful along the route, we’ve gone ahead and noted all the frequently asked questions and misconceptions about pit stops vs grab & gos.

What is a pit stop?

A pit stop is a rest opportunity for walkers that occurs every 3–4 miles as allowed. Pit stops have snacks, drinks, portable toilets and medical. They are a chance for walkers to take a load off, refresh their water bottles or seek medical attention if necessary.

What is a grab & go?

A grab & go is a mini rest stop and is used to fill in gaps in mileage where a pit stop either doesn’t fit or where there is too much mileage between stops. A grab and go only offers drinks and portable toilets for walkers. A grab & go does not have snacks or medical services.

What are the similarities and differences between the two?

Like a pit stop, a grab and go has a scheduled opening and closing time to ensure participants keep on pace. Both are staffed with wonderful crew who are ready to add a little pep and energy back into your step.

While both are available to all walkers, ONLY a pit stop has medical crew present and is staffed to help ALL walkers. Without Medical onsite at a grab & go, walkers who need medical help are brought to the next available pit stop. Sweep vans, vehicles that pick up participants along the route and bring them to the next stop, do NOT drop or pick up from a grab & go (except in extreme situations).

When can a walker expect to see a pit stop vs. a grab & go?

Pit stops are approximately every 3–4 miles. A grab & go is used to fill in gaps when mileage between pit stops is more than four miles, to help whenever participants are bussed out to the route, or whenever a site is not large enough for a pit stop.

How many grab & gos are on the route each day?

The number will vary depending on the needs of the route each day. Typically, there is one grab & go each day but sometimes there are none and in very rare cases there are two.

What are the need-to-knows when planning your day along the route?

Since your safety is of our utmost importance, sweep vans are NOT allowed to drop off participants at grab & go locations as the onsite crew is not equipped to assist walkers in need. A grab & go is staffed with a smaller crew than a pit stop and it does not have the resources or space for medical crew or to provide sweep van access. If after arriving at a grab & go you decide that you need to utilize a sweep van, you will need to walk out on the route and signal for a sweep van like you typically would.

If you have any more questions regarding pit stops vs grab & gos, please contact your 3-Day coach for more information. Happy walking!

What is the Pink Bubble?

When you step into the Susan G. Komen 3-Day® you’re immersed in the Pink Bubble, a place where everyone is in this together. For those familiar, simply hearing this term may bring about a plethora of warm feelings; but what is it really? The Pink Bubble is not tangible but is what we call the Komen 3-Day community and the environment at the event. It’s a place where everyone is generous, selfless, and willing to give the shirt off their back to anyone who needs it. It’s a place where strangers become best friends in a matter of minutes and where you can fall to your knees crying, assured that you will be met where you are. The Pink Bubble is something that you can’t quite understand until you’ve experienced it for yourself, but once you do, you will never look back.

We asked 3-Day® walkers to explain the Pink Bubble to someone who has never experienced it. Here’s what they said:

“The Pink Bubble is unique. It is a place where everyone is welcome, [and] friends are all around you. You are supported in every step you take or in the steps you cannot take. There is no judgement, only love and support. I have met so many people and made so many friends. [The 3-Day] is a weekend that fills my heart in ways I have never experienced before. It is very emotional yet makes me more determined every year to end breast cancer.” —Laura P.

“It’s an aura of positivity from an unfortunate [disease] that brought us together. The [Pink Bubble] gives me space to reflect on the journey I’ve been on and the road ahead.” —Sherrylyn R.

“It’s like a sisterhood of people who want to end breast cancer. [It] seems like everyone knows someone or has fought [breast cancer] themselves and this is a bond among us. I know what it’s like when you’re undergoing or only a few years out of treatment and you come across someone who has made it through to the other side. Now I can be that person to others.” —Elissa R.

“The Pink Bubble is a combination of your best summer camp experience mixed with your best volunteer/charitable experience combined [with] lots of emotions.” —Robert C.

“The feelings and emotions that hit you every time you enter the Pink Bubble can be a little overwhelming, especially your first time. Those feelings and emotions and the stories you hear are also incredibly inspiring. You meet people who are walking with cancer, walking for those dear family members and friends who can’t, or are walking with the angels they have gained along the way. There is laughter, hugs, tears and reflection and all that inspires me every time to want to continue to do this again and again.” —Jenn H.

“The Pink Bubble is hard to describe. You walk into the ballroom and just see the sea of people all there [walking and crewing] to support survivors, thrivers, and [in honor of] family and friends that could not. Everyone has a smile and supportive word, and it is so infectious.” —Debra E.

“Inspiring. It is such a positive (often funny!) community of people that come together and accept you as you are. I was sad to enter back into the real world after the [3-Day] was over, but I try to carry a little bit of the Pink Bubble with me wherever I go now.” —Jennie S.

“Ah the Pink Bubble, it’s a unique, special group you get to join and forever be a part of once you start your 3-Day journey. It’s filled with love, hope, tears of joy and tears of sadness but it surrounds you with love. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll have an experience you never imagined having. You will meet new friends and grow closer to those you already know.” —Marla R.

How would you describe the Pink Bubble?

The Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day Was Incredible!

We wrapped up Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Texas for the Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day. From October 27–29, the Pink Bubble gathered in the Lone Star State to walk 60 or 20 miles over the course of three days. Together, 600 walkers and 200 crew members raised a total of $2 million for breast cancer research, community health, patient care and advocacy.

Day 1

3-Dayers traded their cowboy boots for walking shoes as they took on Downtown Dallas! With the sun shining and temperatures high, walkers began at the Opening Ceremony where they were instructed to hydrate whenever they heard the word “Ya’ll,” prompting ample water consumption. A few incredible speeches were made by Kim Hamstead from Bank of America and participants Trish A., and Stacy T. before Brooke K shared the names of those we lost and Kat C. raised the Promise Flag. Feeling touched by the stories from our incredible speakers, the entire room raised their rally ribbons for survivors and thrivers to lead the way out on the route.

Walkers got to experience an abundance of what the city has to offer as they passed through Dealey Plaza, Turtle Creek Park, Oak Lawn Rainbow Road and the AT&T Discovery District. Outfits ranged from t-shirts and cowboy hats to tutus, and one crew member boasted a shark costume at our Under the Sea themed lunch! Cheering stations were packed and full of vigor, with over fifty Bank of America representatives encouraging walkers at pit stop 3 and Expedia holding a variety of fun signs at pit stop 4. Many representatives even brought their children to experience the spirit of the Pink Bubble and the importance of philanthropy.

We met with two incredible walkers, Cameron and Caroline who walk in honor of their mother Rae, a long-time walker who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2017. They each carry one of her shoes with them along the route. We also spoke with David, a first-time walker who said, “I walk for everyone. I’m here to support everyone who’s struggling right now and I want to keep fighting for the cures to breast cancer.”

With temperatures reaching upwards of 90 degrees, walkers made their way into our hotel camp for some air conditioning before a delicious dinner followed by a celebration of the 20^th anniversary of the Susan G. Komen 3-Day! The night commenced with the Bank of America Celebration of Champions, where they awarded our Top Fundraisers, Milestone Award Winner, and Crew Impact Award Winners with donations of up to $500 for their 2024 3-Day fundraising. New this year, Bank of America hosted a raffle where five Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day participants won $250 toward their 2024 fundraising efforts.

Day 2

Would it be a 2023 3-Day if there wasn’t a little bit of rain? Or a lot of rain, in today’s case! After enjoying a delicious breakfast, walkers hopped aboard buses to Fort Worth for Day 2 filled with liquid sunshine. Our Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day Ultimate Event Experience winner, Riley W., led the way, accompanied by her dear friend and walking partner, Lyndell W. In the qualifying period, Riley raised over $25,000 in a variety of ways, including singing country music. We were even lucky enough to hear her belt out a tune before heading out on the route!

With ponchos on and taped-up sneakers, walkers triumphed through the route, reminding themselves that “we walk because we must.” Our incredible sweep teams were working hard today as they safely escorted walkers to an indoor lunch. Protected from the elements, they enjoyed a delicious meal while your beloved 3-Day hosts, Cati Diamond Stone and Lori Maris, stayed on-theme with today’s weather as they walked around in snorkeling gear. Back on the route, the Fort Worth Water Gardens were extra lively with the additional supply of water from Mother Nature. Walkers also got to experience Sundance Square, the National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame, and the Fairmount-Southside Historic District while out and about. In typical 3-Day fashion, spirits were as high as ever, reminding us that not even rain can pop the Pink Bubble.

When returned to camp, walkers were greeted by the Charlie Brown crew from pit stop 2! Everyone soon dried up and enjoyed some mac ?n cheese before our friends from Mohawk took to the stage with a one-of-a-kind 3-Day rap. We welcomed back our last walker and the Youth Corps then kicked off the Honor Ceremony by sharing their reason for participating. Burt L. and Anna B. shared their “why” before the entire room lit candles to line the way to the remembrance room. Enlightened and inspired, participants made their way to bed to rest up for their final day of the Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day!

Day 3

Walkers returned to Dallas for their third and final day of the 2023 Dallas/Fort Worth 3-Day. Though it was chilly, the skies held up and walkers were able to enjoy a mostly dry day! After departing the hotel, walkers were immersed in Texas’ cowboy heritage at the Pioneer Plaza’s Longhorn Cattle Sculptures. They continued their day immersed in Deep Ellum and even witnessed the iconic Giant Eyeball sculpture.

Cheerleaders from the University of Texas at Arlington ruffled their pompoms alongside crew and Youth Corps to support walkers as they completed their 60-mile journey. 600 people crossed the Mohawk Pink Carpet with smiles on their faces to receive their well-deserved victory shirt and medal. They entered the ballroom for the Closing Ceremony, which was adorned with proud loved ones, a photo opportunity from Nature’s Bounty, delicious READY bars, and the beloved Bank of America massage chairs.

Since we don’t celebrate until everyone is home, we welcomed our last walker with cheers and applause that echoed throughout the room. The Closing Ceremony began and we learned that our 600 walkers and 200 crew raised an incredible $2 million to fund breast cancer research and treatment. Together, we raised our shoes to welcome in our survivors and thrivers who make 60 miles seem easy in comparison to their journey.