A powerful rainstorm reshaped the Susan G. Komen San Diego 3-Day this past weekend, but it never shook the resilience of the Pink Bubble. What began as a hopeful 60-mile journey became something extraordinary: a moving demonstration of grit, teamwork and the unbreakable spirit of a community determined to help end breast cancer.
Even as plans changed and harsh weather swept in, the heart of the 3-Day community never faltered. If anything, it shone brighter.
Day 1: Gray Skies, Bright Spirits
Under gray clouds at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, a sea of pink-clad walkers gathered for the Opening Ceremony dressed in pink T-shirts, tutus, hats and all the creativity the Pink Bubble is known for. Survivors and those living with metastatic breast cancer proudly led the way as the Youth Corps lined the start with pink pom-poms, smiles and endless high-fives.
Walkers made their way along Del Mar Dog Beach, where the sun peeked out through the cloud cover. In Del Mar Village, businesses, residents and cheerleaders from Torrey Pines High School filled the streets with music, a pink balloon arch, snacks and heartfelt encouragement.
At the first Pit Stop, walkers enjoyed fruit, popcorn, string cheese and Ready protein bars before heading toward the serene shoreline of Torrey Pines State Beach. There, walkers were greeted by artwork created in the sand, including the breast cancer ribbon, a flower, hearts and the words hope, brave, love and don’t give up. It set the tone for the entire weekend.
Route-side cheer stations handed out pickles, candies, Kleenex and moral support. Sweep vans were available for those who needed a lift up the hill alongside Torrey Pines. Members of the San Diego Police Department bike team stayed close, keeping walkers safe while blasting music from their bikes.
When walkers made their way down to La Jolla Shores, sprinkles started to fall but not enough to dampen any spirits. Hundreds of pelicans were quite the sight near La Jolla Children’s Pool, where many 3-Dayers stopped to take photos of them along the cliffside. By Friday afternoon, more light rain started to fall as walkers traveled through Pacific Beach and back to Crown Point Shores Park for dinner and much-needed massage chairs.
That night the Celebration of Champions, sponsored by national presenting sponsor Bank of America, recognized top fundraisers and teams, along with the youngest crew members and fundraisers from the Youth Corps. The evening ended with dozens of walkers, volunteers, crew, Youth Corps and members of the San Diego Police Department dancing to the Wobble, led by Capt. Vernon Peterson, a beloved 14-year Pink Bubble supporter who shared that this would be his last 3-Day before retiring.
Day 2: When the Storm Tested Everyone
Saturday started with rain and only got wetter. Walkers stepped out along Mission Beach’s South Cove in pink ponchos, raincoats and plastic shoe coverings, but it wasn’t long before shoes and socks were soaked through. The coastal neighborhood of Ocean Beach brought ankle-deep flooding, forcing walkers to wade through cold water as they powered through with unstoppable determination. Despite the pouring down rain, walkers made their way slow, steady and strong up the challenge of Narragansett Hill.
By mile four, conditions worsened, and flooding required part of the route to close. Sweep vans gently gathered walkers, some reluctant to stop, but the mood was filled with gratitude for Komen staff making tough, safety-first decisions.
Walkers were dropped safely back on the route near Dog Beach, where supporters braved the rain to hand out warm chili, pickle juice, water and well wishes to 3-Dayers who were focused on not letting the rain get in their way. Even the Hau’oli Strummers San Diego Ukelele Club played through the drizzle.
Despite being drenched, cold and exhausted, walkers pushed through strong winds and rain through Pacific Beach and along Sail Bay, holding onto ponchos as gusts tried to rip them away. Memorial Mile, set up along the last mile into camp at Crown Point Shores, offered a powerful pause and bittersweet reminder of the loved ones honored through every 3-Day mile.
By late afternoon, the storm intensified. Flooding forced camp to close, and many were relocated to nearby hotels and the local YMCA. Even with disrupted plans and a cancelled Honor Ceremony, the Pink Bubble community remained patient, understanding and unwavering in its purpose.
At the Hyatt Regency Mission Bay where many walkers stayed, the 3-Day Medical Crew provided care for achy joints, blistered toes and weary feet to walkers who trudged through several miles in the storm. That night, the ballroom filled with tired but smiling walkers sharing pizza, music, warmth and gratitude for one another.
As the rain continued, the exhaustion was undeniable but so was the determination to finish strong.
Day 3: Sunshine, Support and the Rainbow We All Needed
After an exhausting second day, you’d think 3-Dayers walkers would have felt defeated, but instead they emerged more focused than ever. The route was shortened and delayed for safety, but the sun finally broke through as walkers set off from Crown Point Beach.
Along the Mission Beach Boardwalk, supporters, neighbors and businesses lined the way with cheers, signs and thanks for braving the storm. Employees at SeaWorld San Diego handed out water, snacks and provided a dolphin-themed photo op for walkers.
Those who missed Memorial Mile due to the weather were able to experience it again near Mission Bay Park—a quiet, heartfelt space before the final push.
Then, as walkers crossed the bridge toward the last mile leading back to Crown Point Shores, something beautiful emerged: a double rainbow arched over the bay that, to many walkers, signified hope after hardship, welcoming them to the Finish Line.
The Closing Ceremony, which had to be moved from Waterfront Park due to flooding, was held back at Crown Point.
Despite everything Mother Nature threw at them, walkers gathered one last time and celebrated raising $6.5 million, from more than 1,900 walkers and 330 crew, in the fight to end breast cancer forever. There were tears, cheers and an overwhelming sense that this this year’s San Diego 3-Day will be remembered for decades.
It wasn’t the 60 miles anyone expected. But it was a moment in 3-Day history that none of us will ever forget.
With Heartfelt Gratitude
To everyone who walked, cheered, crewed, fundraised, supported, adapted and stayed patient through all the pivots: thank you. Your strength and kindness carried this 3-Day through the storm, and your commitment brought us to that rainbow at the finish line.
We can’t wait to see what San Diego brings next year. Rain or shine, the Pink Bubble will be there.
