Eight Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge runners at the finish line

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We are currently taking applications only from runners already registered for the Boston Marathon®. Support team DFMC by signing up for race weekend volunteer info, making a donation, or joining the 2026 DFMC contact list.

Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge Boston Marathon route
Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge Boston Marathon route

26.2 MILES

Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge Boston Marathon route
Two Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge runners during the race

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
Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge runner at the finish line

ABOUT THE DANA-FARBER MARATHON CHALLENGE

The Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge started in 1990 icon

STARTED IN 1990

WITH NINETEEN RUNNERS

500+ runners will participate in the Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge icon

500+ RUNNERS

WILL PARTICIPATE IN 2025

Dana-Farber Marathon Challenge fundraising icon

$132+ MILLION

HAS BEEN RAISED TO DEFY CANCER

Boston Athletic Association logo 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.

Help Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in discovery of groundbreaking cancer research

Revolutionary Science

Help Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in the battle against cancer with funds for patient care

Extraordinary Care

Help the Jimmy Fund in the battle against cancer with funds for science

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.

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