Run with us to defy cancer!
Apply NowDFMC runners take strides in the fight against cancer by running the Boston Marathon® presented by Bank of America on April 21, 2025.
26.2 MILES
RUNNERS RECEIVE
- Guaranteed race entry
- Special recognition for top fundraisers
- Fundraising tips and tools and a fundraising web page
- Dana-Farber race singlet and training apparel
- Exclusive pre-race and post-race amenities
- Team pre-race ceremonies
- Boston-area training runs
- Training program by 1976 Boston Marathon® winner, Jack Fultz
FEES AND FUNDRAISING REQUIREMENTS
- For runners receiving a ’25 Dana-Farber entry
- $85 team fee & $10,000 fundraising commitment
- $625 B.A.A. fees
$375 Boston Athletic Association invitational entry fee plus $250 B.A.A. Official Charity Program fee
- For runners using their own ’25 race entry
- $85 team fee & $4,000 fundraising commitment
- For ’25 virtual DFMC runners
Support DFMC’s mission by running 26.2 miles anywhere/anytime and receive DFMC amenities other than guaranteed race entry
- $25 team fee & $4,000 fundraising commitment
ABOUT THE DANA-FARBER MARATHON CHALLENGE
STARTED IN 1990
WITH NINETEEN RUNNERS
500+ RUNNERS
WILL PARTICIPATE IN 2025
$132+ MILLION
HAS BEEN RAISED TO DEFY CANCER
In 1989, Michael Silverstein ran the Boston Marathon in memory of his friend Seth Feldman, raising more than $35,000 for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Inspired by Mike's fundraising endeavors, Institute Trustees Delores Barr Weaver and her husband, Wayne, offered a "challenge grant" to Dana-Farber to organize a team that would raise funds for the Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Basic Cancer Research, which was founded by the Weavers in honor of Delores' mother. In 1990, a team of nineteen runners ran the Boston Marathon and completed the very first Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge.
The Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge’s annual roster has grown into hundreds of athletes dedicated to the vision of a world without cancer. These passionate individuals are united by their deep commitment to fighting this disease through fundraising and training. Check out photos of our team in action.
Dana-Farber is indebted to The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) for its longtime partnership and ongoing support. Learn more about the B.A.A. and the Boston Marathon, ranked among the world’s most prestigious annual road racing events.
IT'S ALL ABOUT IMPACT
Funds raised by the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge support the Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Basic Cancer Research.
Watch the Program overview video and learn more about the scientific advancements made by our Claudia Adams Barr Program investigators.
HOW YOUR SUPPORT HELPS
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute provides expert, compassionate care to children and adults and is home to groundbreaking cancer discoveries. Since its founding in 1948, the Jimmy Fund has raised millions of dollars through thousands of community efforts to advance Dana-Farber’s lifesaving mission.
Revolutionary Science
Extraordinary Care
Exceptional Expertise
At Dana-Farber we are committed to an inclusive community where human differences are valued and celebrated, and where all are welcome. We work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where each patient, family, and staff member feels valued and respected.
