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Thousands participate in the annual Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure as walkers and runners make their way down Second Avenue in downtown Seattle on Sunday. (Mike Siegel/The Seattle Times)

About 8,500 people walked and ran in Sunday’s Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure,  40 percent fewer than last year. The Seattle event raised $1.1 million for breast-cancer research and health services, half a million dollars less than in 2011.

Officials blame the controversy over Komen’s decision earlier this year to cut off funding for breast-cancer screening at Planned Parenthood clinics. The organization quickly reversed that decision, but many supporters still defected.

Robbie Ames, of Seattle, who walked the 5K route, said she wouldn’t have come if the organization had carried through with its plans to sever ties with Planned Parenthood. “I thought it was ridiculous,” she said.

Pink-clad participants filled the streets around Seattle Center, where the race began and ended. Closing ceremonies included a survivors’ parade, accompanied by marching bands.