2023 Run for a Reason Charity Program, Presented by Microsoft, Raised More than $1 Million for Local and National Charities

June 14, 2023

The charity program has raised more than $16.5 million for local, national and global causes since 2009

PITTSBURGH, PA /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – 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

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About the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend of Events

The Pittsburgh Marathon was held annually from 1985-2003. After a five-year hiatus, the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon was relaunched in 2009 and debuted with a sold-out field of 10,000 participants. It has grown each year since, evolving from a single race day into a weekend of events for the whole family that annually attracts nearly 40,000 runners.

Read more at: ThePittsburghMarathon.com

FACEBOOK: DSGPM TWITTER: @PghMarathon    INSTAGRAM: pghmarathon

About P3R

P3R is the engine behind Pittsburgh’s greatest races. We strive to inspire any and all to move with us. Best known for organizing the acclaimed annual DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, P3R runs a variety of other high-quality races, events, and health and fitness programs throughout the Pittsburgh region. While many of our races attract some of the nation’s highest-profile professional athletes, we offer activities for all ages and ability levels. Anyone and everyone is invited to #RUNwithP3R! Read more at: P3R.org

FACEBOOK: RUNwithP3R   INSTAGRAM: RUNwithP3R     TWITTER: @RUNwithP3R