Our Charities
The Philadelphia Marathon Weekend is pleased to partner with many wonderful and worthwhile programs that support local initiatives and benefit people from right here in the Philadelphia Region, nationally and around the world. To learn more about becoming a part of our charity program, contact [email protected] for additional information.
Additionally, the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend partners with its fiscal sponsor, the Philadelphia City Fund, to allocate a portion of its revenue for grantmaking to support the Philadelphia community each year. Through its Community Fund, PCF invests those proceeds in charitable projects that improve the quality of life for our residents. Learn more about grant opportunities through PCF’s Community Fund.
(Update) The 26.2 mile 2025 AACR Philadelphia Marathon is now sold out, but a waitlist is available for signup (there is no guarantee you will be accepted for the 2025 AACR Philadelphia Marathon). A credit card will be required to secure your place on the waitlist, but you will not be charged until a slot is available. (sign up for the waitlist)
For guaranteed entry (while bibs are available) you may run for AACR Runners For Research (learn more) or see one of the official charity partners below who may have bibs available for fundraisers. Contact them directly to learn more about guaranteed entry through their respective fundraising programs.
Finally, a limited supply of Independence, Liberty Bell or Freedom challenges are available should you wish to register for a multi-event package.
Note: Only the charities listed below are authorized to distribute Philadelphia Marathon Weekend bibs. No other organization or individual is authorized to distribute bibs.
We do not allow the transfer of bibs between individuals – any offer to sell you a bib is not valid.
2025 Official Charity
(Title Partner) American Association for Cancer Research (AACR)
Founded in 1907, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is the world’s first and largest professional organization dedicated to advancing cancer research and its mission to prevent and cure cancer.
With a fundraising goal of $600,000, you’re invited to join and/or support the AACR Runners for Research team during the 2025 Philadelphia Marathon Weekend. These funds will directly support the AACR’s mission to prevent and cure cancer through: Research, Education, Communication, Collaboration, Science Policy and Advocacy, and Funding for Cancer Research.
Become part of a community that puts more meaning in their miles by raising funds for lifesaving cancer research and receive various race weekend perks!
Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association Inc.
The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research.
Our Mission: The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.
Contact: Catherine McCarthy, Development Manager / 215.399.9153
Website: www.alz.org/delval
Fundraising page: events.alz.org/event/run-to-remember-philadelphia/home
The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration
The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD) is the leading national nonprofit working to improve the quality of life of people affected by frontotemporal degeneration (FTD) and to drive research to bring hope for a world with compassionate care, effective support, and a future free of this disease.
Contact: [email protected] / 866.507.7222
Website: www.theaftd.org
Fundraising page: www.theaftd.org/get-involved/host-an-event/race-season
College of Physicians of Philadelphia
The College of Physicians of Philadelphia serves as a trusted resource to develop a deeper understanding of health and disease for the betterment of society. Our STEM Education programs empower students from marginalized communities, providing them with hands-on instruction, mentorship, academic support, and career preparation in these critical fields. The Mütter Museum, a vital part of the College, inspires curiosity and learning by connecting the public to the rich history and future of medicine.
Contact: Kim Halscheid
Website: www.collegeofphysicians.org
Emily's Entourage (Cystic Fibrosis Research Fund Inc.)
Emily’s Entourage speeds lifesaving research and drug development for individuals in the final 10% of the cystic fibrosis (CF) community that do not benefit from currently available mutation-targeted therapies.
Contact: Jackie Williams, Director of Development / 913.617.6363
Website: www.emilysentourage.org
Fundraising page: www.emilysentourage.org/join-team-ee
Girls on the Run Philadelphia
Girls on the Run is a sports-based youth development organization - our mission is to inspire girls to by joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experienced-based curriculum which creatively integrates running!
Contact: Heather Plastaras / 215.247.8598
Website: www.gotrphiladelphia.org
Fundraising page: www.gotrphiladelphia.org/solemates
Guardian Revival
Guardian Revival is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization focused on preventing veteran & first responder suicide. Suicide rates among our veterans and first responders are disturbingly high: more than 20 veterans die by suicide each day in the U.S., and more first responders die by suicide than in the line of duty every year.
Contact: [email protected] / 845.617.6421
Website: www.guardianrevival.org
JeffHOPE
JeffHOPE is a the largest network of student-run medical clinics in the country, and we are dedicated to bridging healthcare gaps for vulnerable populations in Philadelphia, particularly those experiencing homelessness and substance use disorders. Through compassionate care, education, and advocacy, we empower patients to manage their health and connect them to long-term resources, fostering trust and improving access to healthcare.
Contact: Natalia Queenan, Publicity Director / 856.313.1797 and Rachel Cain, Finance Director / 215.915.6113
Website: www.jefferson.edu/jeffhope/
Let Me Run
Let Me Run is a nonprofit wellness program that inspires boys to be themselves, be active, and belong. With a comprehensive curriculum that applies the power of running, the program encourages boys to develop their psychological, emotional and social health, in addition to their physical health.
Twice a week for seven weeks, two trained volunteer coaches lead an elementary or middle school team through practice. Designed to amplify confidence, self-expression, and respect for others, each practice includes a lesson from the Let Me Run curriculum that incorporates running, games and activities. Each fall and spring season culminates in a 5k race festival that celebrates the boys’ personal growth.
Contact: Juliane Kilcoyne
Website: www.letmerun.org
Mazzoni Center
Mazzoni Center is Philadelphia’s premier LGBTQ health and wellness center, serving over 15,000 clients every year, with a mission to provide quality comprehensive health and wellness services in an LGBTQ-focused environment, while preserving the dignity and improving the quality of life of the individuals they serve.
Contact: Dylan Van Duyne, Board Member
Website: www.mazzonicenter.org
National Brain Tumor Society
National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS) unrelentingly invests in, mobilizes, and unites the brain tumor community to discover a cure, deliver effective treatments, and advocate for patients and caregivers. Our Gray Nation Endurance®️ team will put meaning behind their miles to fuel a new era of progress toward a cure.
Contact: Nikki Margeson, Director of Community Fundraising / 617.237.1744
Website: www.braintumor.org
Fundraising page: www.braintumor.org/GNE
The Parkinson's Foundation provides essential resources for people living with Parkinson's disease in Philadelphia and across the country. Our Parkinson’s Champions athletes raise funds and awareness while competing in some of the world’s most popular endurance events. Every step we take brings us closer to a future without Parkinson’s disease, because Parkinson’s isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon.
Contact: Champions Staff / 763.317.1308
Website: www.Run4PD.org
Special Olympics PA
The mission of Special Olympics PA is to provide year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.
Contact: Hailey Euston, Senior Director of Marketing / 610.630.9450, x219
Website: www.specialolympicspa.org
Fundraising page: Registration form
Students Run Philly Style
Students Run Philly Style transforms students’ lives through running and mentorship. We pair volunteer mentors with teams of students to inspire them to push themselves further than they ever imagined. Their goal: the completion of a full or a half marathon. The courage and effort required, the unfailing support of a caring mentor and the thrill of its ultimate achievement results in a student who knows anything is possible.
The ambitious young students who are part of Students Run Philly Style are now a fixture of the Philadelphia Marathon. Students Run Philly Style is the only mentorship program in Philadelphia that provides long-distance run training to help transform lives of young people.
Register to Run for Philly’s Future!
Contact: Samantha Choy, Marketing & Communications Manager
Website: www.studentsrunphilly.org
Fundraising page: www.givesignup.org/Race/PA/Philadelphia/PhiladelphiaMarathonStudentsRunPhillyStyle
Our mission is to improve the lives of people suffering from brain injury and disease by funding research to improve patient outcomes, raising awareness, and providing support for survivors and their families. We utilize our love for running and endurance sports to fuel this mission.
Contact: [email protected]
Website: www.werunwithyou.org
Fundraising page: werunwithyou.org/run4rehab-at-the-2025-philadelphia-marathon/
You Gotta Believe (YGB) exists for one reason... to work toward the day when no young person leaves foster care without the unconditional lifetime commitment of a family. Our goal is to find youth permanent families so that they have the support system they need to live safely and to their highest potential. Whether that means helping youth reconnect to their families of origin, to other people who have played a role in their lives, or to new families that will make a new commitment to be there for life.
Contact: Meghan Wood, Development Director
Website: www.yougottabelieve.org
Additional Charity Options
The following charities are also affiliated with the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend’s Charity Program. You can reach out to them directly if you would like to fundraise for them.