I am not sure I agree with your post. Actually, I think it was a great move to re-brand the "National Race for the Cure" into the "Global Race for the Cure."  So techinically it was the "first-ever" Global Race for the Cure. 

It really speaks to Komen's global outreach to help people with breast cancer within the Washington, DC area(Local), as well as around the world (global).   Besides, they even said it at the Race that $4.3 Million was raised for both local and international breast health programs.

And another point - there were lots of celebrities there besides VP Biden and his wife Jil - and I met most of them:  Sarah Chalke (from SCRUBS), Candy Coburn (Country singer), Lalah Hathaway (Jazz singer), just to name a few...

So although I do understand your point of view, I do believe events have to evolve and take on a greater meaning.  This event was a perfect example of a brand evolving into something meaningful - on a global scale.

I'll definitely be attending in 2010!