The V Foundation’s ‘Team V’ Raises $414,000 for Cancer Research

As an official charity partner of three World Marathon Majors, the V Foundation provides charity race entries to interested participants. In turn, the runners, collectively known as “Team V,” commit to fundraising to benefit the V Foundation, which awards research grants to scientists at top cancer centers nationwide. In 2023, the V Foundation was named an official charity partner of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, the TCS New York City Marathon, and the BMW Berlin Marathon, marking the first international race for Team V.

“We saw more than 100 Team V participants come together last year to fundraise for a cause that touches so many lives,” said Andrew Lackey, Assistant Director of DIY Fundraising at the V Foundation. “Many of our runners have a personal connection to cancer, so they are deeply passionate about supporting the V Foundation and our work toward defeating this disease.”

Participants who are looking to make their miles count toward a greater cause have a variety of options for joining Team V:

• Those needing a race entry may register through the V Foundation’s charity entry program for Berlin, Chicago, or New York City Marathons.
• Those who have already secured their own race entry to these marathons through another source may participate as a “Fundraise Only” team member to benefit the V Foundation.
• Those who wish to sign up independently for an endurance race outside of the V Foundation’s main options may pursue the “Choose Your Own Race” option to create a fundraising page for their individual race.

For the upcoming 2024 race season, Team V will be returning to the Majors in the cities of Berlin, Chicago and New York. While charity entries have already been filled for Chicago and Berlin, interested runners may join the waitlist or can join Team V through the “Fundraise Only” option if they have already secured their own entry. Entries to the New York City Marathon, Team V’s largest race field, will be available beginning in mid-February 2024. Interested runners are encouraged to email teamv@v.org to be notified when they are available.

“I had such an amazing experience in 2022 as a member of Team V, I knew that I wanted to do it again,” said Eileen Kennedy, a cancer thriver and 2022 and 2023 NYC Marathon finisher. “As a lifelong sports fan, I have watched Jim Valvano’s inspiring speech many times. After being treated for early-stage cancer, I knew wanted to make a positive impact by fundraising for cancer research.”

To learn more about Team V, visit v.org/teamv.

About the V Foundation for Cancer Research:

The V Foundation for Cancer Research was founded in 1993 by ESPN and the late Jim Valvano, legendary North Carolina State University basketball coach and ESPN commentator. The V Foundation has funded over $353 million in game-changing cancer research grants nationwide through a competitive process strictly supervised by a world-class Scientific Advisory Committee. Because the V Foundation has an endowment to cover administrative expenses, 100% of direct donations are awarded to cancer research and programs. The V team is committed to accelerating Victory Over Cancer®. To learn more, visit v.org.