It was a chilly morning, but that didn't stop thousands of people donned in pink from running towards the finish line Sunday at the annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

The event has become an annual Mother's Day tradition for hundreds of Minnesota families, many of whom ran or walked in celebration or in memory of loved ones affected by breast cancer.

The 23rd annual event included a 5K run at 7:30 a.m., a survivor celebration and photo at 8:15 a.m. and a 5K walk at 9:15 a.m., with the goal of raising funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer.

The Komen Race for the Cure began with a single race in 1983 and has grown to a global race series in more than 150 cities with more than 1.6 million participants, the organization notes. Susan G. Komen Minnesota has raised more than $44 million and awarded grants to Minnesota nonprofits for breast cancer awareness, treatment and research, the organization says.

Last year, roughly 50,000 people attended the race, raising about $2.5 million for breast cancer research, WCCO reported.

Some photos from Sunday's festivities:

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Missed out on the Mother's Day race? The Susan G. Koeman Twin Cities 3-Day is scheduled for August, while the Brainerd Lakes Race for the Cure will be held June 27.