Updated: Sun Oct. 04 2009 7:32:32 PM

ctvtoronto.ca

Thousands of people ran not for their lives, but for the lives of others, during Toronto's Run for the Cure to raise money for breast cancer research and education, and some famous faces even joined in.

"We're here in Toronto filming a movie, so we both decided since we heard about the run, 'You know what? Let's be a part of it,'" said Joe Jonas of teen pop group the Jonas Brothers who ran surrounded by security guards.

This year's goal for the five-kilometre walk or one-kilometre run is to raise $5 million in Toronto and almost $30 million across Canada.

Joe Matheson, who is a cast member of the musical "Jersey Boys," lost his mother to breast cancer 12 years ago.

"Everybody's been touched by this," he said.

"I can't imagine anybody in Canada right now that wouldn't have direct contact to somebody who's been affected by this."

But there wasn't just star power. There were thousands of regular people who were running for someone they care about.

"I'm just doing it for my mom," said one runner who was catching her breath.

She is one of 30,000 runners who made their way through much of downtown, including Nathan Phillips Square, University Avenue and Queen's Park.

Breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death in women, and men can also be diagnosed with the disease.

"It's really incredible because it really is about the community that supports this cause," said Sandra Palmero, CEO of the Ontario Breast Cancer Foundation.

"It is really about their support system, their family, their friends, coming here to show their support to celebrate the hope for a future without breast cancer."

Run for the Cure events happened in 56 Canadian cities Sunday.