Featured Runner:

Joshua Lipp for the American Cancer Society

More than 4,000 athletes across the country have experienced the journey of a lifetime by dedicating their participation in endurance events to the fight against cancer through the American Cancer Society’s Charity Runner program.

Charity Runner allows you to combine your passion for marathons, half-marathons, triathlons, and other endurance events with a lifesaving commitment to those who have been touched by cancer. Nationally, Charity Runners have raised more than $5.2 million for the American Cancer Society.

One runner who made a difference is Joshua Lipp from Redwood City, California.

Last fall, Josh joined the fight against cancer by running 10 miles (40 laps) at the Stanford University track for his 40^th birthday. Calling his run “40-40-40,” Josh set a goal to raise at least $40,000 to honor his father, Donald Lipp (on left) , who died of lung cancer in 2003. After completing his 40^th lap with over 200 participants, Josh’s birthday gift to the American Cancer Society was more than $43,000 in donations – a wonderful tribute to the father who inspired him to run.

Josh chose to support the American Cancer Society because of the assistance the organization gave to his father and his family during his dad’s long illness. The Society made sure that the Lipp family received the information they needed when Donald was diagnosed. During the last months of his life, American Cancer Society volunteers drove Donald to his daily radiation treatments. Whenever they needed help, his family knew they could turn to the American Cancer Society.

Like Josh, you can make a difference in the fight against cancer. Join the American Cancer Society’s Charity Runner program and turn your passion for endurance events into support for the fight against cancer. Run in honor of someone you know. Set a goal and collect donations in support of your event. Together we can race towards a world free of cancer.

Donations to the American Cancer Society and Charity Runner support groundbreaking cancer research, 24/hour a day cancer information and resources, advocacy to ensure that all people have access to screenings and treatment, and free programs and services to improve the quality of life for people facing the disease.

The Healdsburg Wine Country Half Marathon is an American Cancer Society Charity Runner event. Find out about other Charity Runner events at www.cancer.org/charityrunner. Running an event not yet included as a Charity Runner event? You can raise funds for the American Cancer Society for other events at www.cancer.org/teamacs.