Record Participation in Run for a Reason Program Expected to Raise $1.5 Million for Charity
Run for a Reason Charity Program continues to transform lives locally, with majority of funds staying in Pittsburgh
PITTSBURGH, PA – A record 4,770 participants in the 2026 DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend of Events will take part in the Run for a Reason Charity Program, raising funds for 50 official charities and 14 contributing charities. Collectively, these runners and walkers are expected to raise more than $1.5 million to support causes locally and nationally.
Since its inception in 2009, Run for a Reason has generated nearly $20 million for charitable organizations, with the majority of funds staying within the Pittsburgh community to make a direct and lasting impact.
“Run for a Reason represents the very best of what Marathon Weekend stands for—people coming together to move with purpose and make a meaningful difference,” said Troy Schooley, P3R CEO. “Seeing a record number of participants step up to support causes close to their hearts, and collectively raise more than $1.5 million, is incredibly powerful. This program continues to transform lives across our community, and we’re proud to provide a platform where every mile has a greater impact.”
Among this year’s top fundraisers are several inspiring individuals making a difference through their personal journeys:
- Audrey Burgoon, who has run every Pittsburgh Marathon since 2009, has raised more than $250,000 for charity over the years. In 2026 alone, she has raised more than $26,000 in support of Urban Impact, located in Pittsburgh's North Side that offers 60+ programs in education, athletics, performing arts, and options for local students.
- Arlen Janet has raised more than $210,000 for UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh over 13 years of participation in Marathon Weekend. His motivation is deeply personal—her daughter, Alaina, was born with biliary atresia, a rare liver disease, and received a life-saving transplant at just 15 months old, with Arlen serving as her donor. Now nearly 19, Alaina is thriving as a nursing student at Duquesne University and is passionate about giving back to the hospital that saved her life. Despite facing his own health challenges following the donation, Arlen continues to run and fundraise, driven by gratitude and a commitment to helping other families.
- Cindy Davenport has raised more than $6,000 for Rush to Crush Cancer following her breast cancer diagnosis in March 2025. After undergoing surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation, Cindy made a commitment to keep moving forward—focusing on small daily victories and rebuilding her strength. After completing treatment in September, she returned to running gradually, starting with just two minutes at a time. Now, she is training to complete the Pittsburgh 5K as a powerful personal milestone and a celebration of resilience.
About the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend of Events
The Pittsburgh Marathon was held annually from 1985-2003. After a five-year hiatus, the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon was relaunched in 2009 and debuted with a sold-out field of 10,000 participants. It has grown each year since, evolving from a single race day into a weekend of events for the whole family that annually attracts more than 40,000 runners.
Read more at: ThePittsburghMarathon.com
About P3R
P3R is the region’s go-to premier sporting event and experience expert. While best known for the annual DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, P3R organizes up to 20 major events every year. With a rich history of working with top-tier clients such as the Pittsburgh Steelers, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, the Pittsburgh Penguins, the National Senior Games, and more, P3R brings operational excellence to every aspect of event planning and execution. As part of P3R’s non-profit mission to inspire any and all to MOVE with us, we provide premium event experiences and robust programming - including the Run for a Reason Charity Program, award-winning Kids of STEEL program, Pittsburgh Corporate Challenge, RUN Varsity, and more - that engage everyone in the Western Pennsylvania community and beyond.