Run with us to conquer cancer. Whether you're running to honor a loved one, yourself, or everyone affected by the disease, take strides in the fight against cancer by running the Boston Marathon® with the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge.
NEW IN 2021: Cross the Boston Marathon® finish line in your own neighborhood! Join the DFMC team as a virtual runner and receive DFMC’s unparalleled team amenities. Apply today and indicate your interest in the virtual Boston Marathon!
Apply Now
26.2 MILES
RUNNERS RECEIVE
- Guaranteed race entry
- Special recognition for top fundraisers
- Fundraising tips and tools, including a personal fundraising web page
- Dana-Farber race singlet and training apparel
- Exclusive pre-race and post-race amenities
- Team pre-race ceremonies
- Boston-area weekly training runs, as permitted
- Training program designed by 1976 Boston Marathon® Men’s Open Division Champion, Jack Fultz
FEES AND FUNDRAISING REQUIREMENTS
- For runners using a ’21 Dana-Farber entry
- $85 team fee & $7,500 fundraising commitment
- $645 B.A.A. fees
($370 invitational race entry fee and $25 COVID-19 mitigation fee paid directly to the B.A.A., $250 Official Charity Program premium fee)
- For runners using their own ’21 race entry
- $85 team fee & $4,000 fundraising commitment
- For ’21 virtual Boston Marathon runners
- $25 team fee & $4,000 fundraising commitment
ABOUT THE DANA-FARBER MARATHON CHALLENGE
STARTED IN 1990
WITH NINETEEN RUNNERS
500+ RUNNERS
PARTICIPATED IN 2020
$100+ MILLION
HAS BEEN RAISED TO FIGHT 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. In 1990, a team of nineteen runners ran the Boston Marathon.
Now in its 32nd season, 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.
CLAUDIA ADAMS BARR PROGRAM IMPACT
The Claudia Adams Barr Program in Innovative Basic Cancer Research supports new lines of research, playing an essential role in the development of early-career scientists who work on a broad range of research investigations that yield new clues about cancer. Based on a rigorous and highly selective process, the Claudia Adams Barr Program selects the brightest scientists and funds their innovative ideas, propelling basic research discoveries that transform cancer treatment. Claudia Adams Barr Program investigators have made tremendous advances and spearheaded breakthroughs that are improving care, quality of life, and survival for patients everywhere.
HOW YOUR SUPPORT HELPS
More than 800 innovative, active clinical trials each year
Personalized support and resources for patients and their loved ones
State-of-the-art facilities bring effective treatments to patients quickly
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.
