BANGOR – Komen Maine Race for the Cure announced a record-breaking year for its 10th annual race, which took place Sept. 17.

At least 3,288 participants have been confirmed, a 22-percent increase over last year, organizers reported. Total money raised before expenses is more than $180,000, an increase of $60,000, up 50 percent from last year’s gross.

Although participation increased markedly, officials said the key to the high fundraising was donations – both from individuals and from participants soliciting pledges.

Pledge donations broke records of their own this year, topping at $5,800 from just one participant. One team raised more than $10,000 in pledges. Without the efforts of participants and volunteers, the race never could have surpassed expectations, organizers said.

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation’s Race for the Cure started in Dallas in 1983 with 800 participants. Today, the Komen race is the largest 5K series in the United States with more than 1.5 million participants worldwide.

The mission of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation is to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening disease by advancing research, education, screening and treatment.

Up to 75 percent of net funds raised stay in Maine, supporting local education, screening and treatment programs. At least 25 percent of net funds accrued by the race goes directly to breast cancer research through the Komen Foundation Award and Research Grant Program.

For additional information about the race, call Sally Bilancia at 745-9173, e-mail race@komenmaine.com or visit www.komenmaine.com.