Every year, thousands of runners commit to the Philadelphia Marathon, and with every mile come thousands of meaningful stories.
“Whether it’s your first race, you’re running to conquer something, or you’re doing it with a loved one, there are so many different reasons why people run,” says Kathleen Titus, director of the Philadelphia Marathon.
At the heart of many runners’ motivation is a common goal: supporting a good cause. Since 2017, 88 cents of every dollar raised by the event has gone to the American Association for Cancer Research, the marathon’s title partner.
For prostate cancer survivor and runner James Waddington, running is a way to honor the journey of survival and connect with others.
“Running is just the vehicle that helps me get outside and stay healthy for myself,” Waddington said. “As I talk to people and meet people in the running community, I hear the different stories of how they have loved ones who have died of cancer and they run in honor. Or different cancer survivors doing different things. This keeps me motivated.”
Waddington believes cancer research and early detection saved his life.
“My father was diagnosed in November, by March he was gone. He had no screenings, no understanding of his cancer,” Waddington said. “I was diagnosed in August and had surgery in December. He and I both had four months, but they were completely different four months because of the early detection.”
Before Sunday’s main event, the American Cancer Society running team gathered to watch a short film about Waddington’s journey and to emphasize the importance of cancer screenings.
“I always tell people, you want to be prepared for the fight instead of letting the fight sneak up on you,” Waddington said.
The Philadelphia Marathon is Sunday.
