The weather wasn't perfect, but that didn't stop people from taking to the streets of Sioux Falls for breast cancer awareness Saturday.

At least 4,500 people took part in the Avera Race Against Breast Cancer and though they united for a common cause, they all had different reasons for taking part.

A simple balloon launch kicked off the race and reminded Joli Gallagher of those who ran out of time.

"I lost my best friend six months ago today to cancer," Gallagher says. "So it means a whole lot."

Some participants opted to walk.

"We're supporting our mothers, daughters, sisters," says walker Kevin Olson. "It's a great deal."

"I'm a survivor and there's so many of us here today," says walker Ann Hughes. "So we're celebrating, I guess, my own surviving and everybody else's."

Other participants chose to run, including KSFY's own Phil Schreck, who's wife Kristie was diagnosed the day before last year's race.

"She's great now," He says. "But other people aren't so lucky so that's why I'm glad to see so many people out here helping in the fight against breast cancer."

It was a common theme, raising awareness and money for breast cancer research while extending a network of support.

The event was extra special for Judy Davis. Her friends and family started the race in her honor 20 years ago. Now she's in remission.

"I just can't tell you what it means," Davis says. "It reminds me how lucky I've been the last 20 years. I'm here to do this in honor of some of my friends who are no longer here and just let other survivors know exactly that we're all here with them."

That caring spirit carried the day, despite the weather and all those breast cancer has left behind.

"Today is almost more uplifting and regenerating because you know these people are all here to fight for the cure and to hope and to pray and to just say we love you even though you're not here," Gallagher says.