The charity program has raised more than $16.5 million for local, national and global causes since 2009
PITTSBURGH, PA – P3R proudly has announced that the Run for a Reason Charity Program, presented by Microsoft, raised more than $1 million during this year’s DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend of Events. Since the Run for a Reason Charity Program launched in 2009, participants have raised more than $16.5 million for local, national and global causes.
“For 15 years, the Run for a Reason Charity Program has made a significant difference in our community and raised critical funds for many local nonprofit organizations,” said Troy Schooley, P3R CEO. “We are proud that MOVERS not only crossed the finish line and accomplished their fitness goals this year but also made sure their miles counted for more and raised funds for causes close to their hearts.”
More than 2,700 charity program participants inspired more than 13,300 charity donations for 36 official charities. This year’s top charity MOVER was Audrey Burgoon, who raised more than $26,000 for the Urban Impact Foundation.
“My first race was a marathon for a charity, so it’s been ingrained in me from the start that this is an opportunity for more than a finishers medal,” Burgoon said. “Sure, it’s a fantastic feeling to cross the finish line at a race. But, for me, the biggest accomplishment is knowing that you have helped others through your sweat, sore muscles and fundraising! This year my fundraising total was $26,210 – which is $1000 for each of the 26.2 miles of the marathon.”
The charities who received the most donations include:
• Urban Impact Foundation, $91,335.28
• UPMC Children’s Hospital Foundation, $75,414.31
• American Cancer Foundation, $66,052.72
• Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, $65,923.48
• ALS Association Western PA Chapter, $40,080.36
“We’re proud to be a part of this year’s program that connected charity runners with causes close to their heart and raised both awareness and an incredible amount of fundraising dollars for the Pittsburgh and surrounding communities,” said Ron Bianchini, Site Lead for Microsoft Pittsburgh. “People come to work at Microsoft in Pittsburgh to change the world with technology, and that same drive fuels our employees’ passion to make a difference in their communities through programs like this. We applaud all the charity runners for the difference that they have made in their community.”
The UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh BACK Half Marathon, exclusive to charity runners who raised $1,000 or more, returned again this year to celebrate the achievement of charity runners. The 13.1-mile event started in the Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh, which is the midway point of the 26.2 mile marathon course. Participants enjoyed a full red carpet experience, unique medal and special race day bib.
Click here to view photos from 2023 Run for a Reason Charity Program participants. For more information about the Run for a Reason program, presented by Microsoft, go to: www.thepittsburghmarathon.com/pages/RFAR-pittsburgh-marathon.
Story contact: Kelsey Emch, P3R Public Relations Specialist, 417-425-9400 or kelsey.emch@p3r.org
