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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- Heartland residents woke up early, tied their shoes, and hit the trails early Saturday morning for a special cause.

The Greater Ottumwa Park was the place to be for the 15th annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. All of the proceeds go towards breast cancer research.

Co-Chairperson Lorie Hornback is a survivor and was glad to see the community support.

"It's just a huge accomplishment to see this many people turn out and help raise money and fight this disease. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. I underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. And have had a clean bill of health since so I've done the race many years but as a survivor this is my third year."

Organizers expected a crowd of nearly 3,000 people; including runners from all over the Midwest like Illinois, Minnesota, and Nebraska. It's one of the largest annual events in Ottumwa.

 Mable Hart , another survivor, says its a tough, grinding disease to overcome, but a strong determination and faith are keys to winning the battle.

"It was a very scary thing. I really thought I was going to die because I connected cancer with death. I got sick and had other problems. I just didn't think it was worth the fight. I had a lot of love, prayers and my family was behind me. And they made me fight."

The race consisted of a three mile run all over the park. A water station was available at the half way point for runners to rehydrate. 

It's an effort that hopefully will lead to a cure. Hart says early detection is important.

" Ladies definitely make sure you get those mammograms. That will catch more than you will ever know."