Thousands of KELOLAND residents woke up bright and early Sunday morning for the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure in Vermillion.  The event raises money for breast cancer awareness.  And the race is having an impact on South Dakota in only its second year.

With the Vermillion streets packed to the brim with walkers, Susan G. Komen race chair Colette Abbott is thankful for the city's support.

"They have gone above and beyond," Abbott said.  "The street department put up banners, the fire department helped out, the city manager's excited. They have really gone out of their way."

For the 2nd year in a row, people from all walks of life paraded down the streets, finishing at the Dakota Dome. And the bonds among the walkers make this stroll even more important.

"There is a camaraderie," said Shelly Clayton, a breast cancer survivor from Tripp.  "We all have a story to tell and we like to share our stories with one another, so it's good to all be in one building together."

Organizers say after South Dakota's inaugural race in 2008, this year's event was much easier to plan.

"Last year, every little inch of it, we had to research and make sure we were following the Komen rules and guidelines," Abbott said.  "And you want to do that because this is a very protected event."

For friends and families impacted by cancer, and for survivors like Clayton, the South Dakota race is an inspiration.

"It's sort of a whirlwind," Clayton said.  "When you're first diagnosed, it's fear, you're scared, you don't know what's going to happen. And then you have good days and bad days."

"I'm still scared that someday it will come back, but you have positive days and now you're part of a greater community of survivors. So, days like today are great."

This year's race saw more walkers than 2008. The grand total was 2,220 participants.