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Susan G. Komen officials and Fresno Grizzlies front office staff made the announcement during a press conference this morning and said the venue change is the result of an increased partnership between the two groups. 

“We have a longstanding relationship with Susan G. Komen and this year we’re hoping to really expand on that,” said Derek Franks, general manager of the Fresno Grizzlies. 

The minor league baseball team has hosted several theme nights with Susan G. Komen in the past and has another one planned for June 11. The Star Wars-themed night will include an emphasis on Susan G. Komen and feature pink jerseys and pink lightsabers.

The Race for the Cure event will follow a few months later, on Sept. 17. 

City officials were also present for the announcement and City Councilmember Oliver Baines said bringing the Susan G. Komen race to south Fresno is a boon for the community. 

“The best place to be in Fresno right now is Downtown,” he said. “Having the Race for the Cure here builds upon that momentum.”

Sharon Johnson, executive director for Susan G. Komen Central Valley, agreed and said the organization has been working to focus more on Downtown and surrounding communities. 

Nearly 36 percent of local breast cancer patients are not diagnosed until they are stage 3 or later, a trend she said the group is trying to address through more screening events.

“That’s higher than the national average and it’s higher than most places in the state,” Johnson said. “These screening events are crucial.”

Registration for Race for the Cure opens in April and the event will encompass most of the Downtown area, with the route winding past the Fresno County courthouse, water tower and City Hall.