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Why I Run the PCRF Half Marathon: Dave

The Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation (PCRF) is gearing up for its 21st annual Reaching for the Cure Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, And Kids Run on Sunday, March 17, 2019. This event is a true community favorite, family-friendly, high-energy race day to raise money for pediatric cancer research. There are so many reasons our participants come out each year to run or walk the Reaching for the Cure. And we love hearing them! Even though each story is unique, every individual has one thing in common; they all want to be part of the solution and make a difference for kids fighting cancer.

Meet Dave, Hope Squad Planning Committee member and Run4Hope Running Club member. Dave was a casual runner for many years until a friend suggested that they train for a marathon. He was up for the challenge, so he agreed. His friend had to stop training due to injuries, but Dave kept going. That was in January of 2008. Since then, Dave has run three full marathons and nearly 40 half marathons in that time. He then found the PCRF race.

Running for a Cause

He initially started running the Reaching for the Cure race because it was close to home. Plus, it went through trails that he already enjoyed running on. After completing the PCRF Half Marathon three times and the 10K once, he thought it was time to get more involved with the cause.

“My next thought was that I had time in my life and I needed to give back to the sport that has given me improved health and fitness, goals to reach, and the ability to see many places across the country”, Dave shared.

Dave joined our “Hope Squad” Planning Committee to help with race planning, outreach and fundraising. He wanted to get involved in any way possible. When he heard about the Run4Hope Running Club launch, he knew right away that he had to be part of it. The Run4Hope Running Club is free running club dedicated to runners of all skills, abilities and ages. Runners train together each week leading up to the Reaching for the Cure race in a fun, motivating, friendly run environment. “I hoped to be able to provide any support possible for the organization as they raised awareness for the race, and the cause that PCRF fights so hard for every day, the research that will save lives.”

“I want to be part of showing runners that training can be fun, beneficial, and that their efforts can make a difference,” he said. “People see them training and achieving goals that they may not have thought that they initially c

ould. Running and achieving things once thought unattainable is inspiring to those around you.”

Luckily, Dave has never experienced any children in his life that have been afflicted by cancer. Still, he is determined to make a difference for others who have. “Knowing that there are people out there that have is a heartbreaking thought. One that family and friends should not have to deal with,” he said. “I will do my best to help people be prepared for the race, to meet their goals, and to have fun doing it!”

Get Involved

Participating in the Reaching for the Cure event is greater than the miles ahead of you. Your race is saving lives. You can help us make a difference!

For more information about the Run4Hope Running club, visit: @run4hopeclub

To register for the Reaching for the Cure Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, and Kids Run or make a donation, visit: https://cure.pcrf-kids.org/event/2023-reaching-for-the-cure/e399111

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