RUN FOR FREE
WHO WE ARE
Philly Runs Free is a partnership between Saucony Love Run Philly and Legacy of Hope.
Together, our goal is to raise $167,799.04 to not only fund the most promising cancer research, but provide emergency financial support for cancer patients and their families.
Because we believe no family should lose their home or go without food because a loved one is fighting cancer and no promising cancer research should go unfunded.
HOW IT WORKS
Simply register and choose Legacy of Hope Run For Free, choose your distance and follow the online registration process.
Upon completing your race registration, you’ll be redirected to this form, and Legacy of Hope will create your fundraising page and send it to you.
Once you raise the $250 fundraising minimum Legacy of Hope will issue you a refund of your entry fee and processing fees. Please note if you add on any options (such as mail my packet) you will not be reimbursed these fees.
ALREADY REGISTERED?
Simply visit PhillyRunsFree.com for details and fill out this simple form. Your charity fundraising page will be set up and sent to you within 72 hours.
REFUND
Hit your $250 fundraising goal and Legacy of Hope will refund your entry and processing fees.
*RACE WITH YOUR TEAM/FUNDRAISE WITH US - You can still race with your team and wear your team jersey even if you decide to fundraise for Legacy of Hope.
VINNY CARANO
Vinny Carrano has been part of the Philly fitness community for many years, but his fitness journey began in the Marine Corps, and his passion for fighting cancer started long before both of these. When Vinny was young, his sister Lauren was diagnosed with leukemia. Vinny says, "She was truly special and full of joy, love, and strength. Even throughout her two-year battle, she never stopped smiling or lifting others up".Lauren passed away just two weeks after her 9th birthday in 1996, and Vinny has been fighting in her memory ever since.
"I’ve spent my life raising money for cancer research and supporting families facing the same challenges my family once did. That’s why I’m running the Saucony Love Run Philly for Legacy of Hope. Their mission provides emergency support to Philadelphia cancer patients and funds research to find new cures — the exact kind of help my family desperately needed.Thank you for helping me keep Lauren's spirit alive and making a real difference for local families fighting today!
Mike
Shipp
Mike Shipp is the founder of Philly Track Jawn. We are honored to introduce him as a Philly Runs Free–sponsored athlete supporting Legacy of Hope at the Love Run.
Mike is more than a runner—he’s a community builder, a storyteller, and a reminder of why movement matters. His journey is rooted in a deep commitment to showing up for others, values that align powerfully with Legacy of Hope’s mission to support cancer patients and families when they need it most.
We’re proud to have Mike running the Love Run with purpose, heart, and intention—carrying forward a legacy of love, resilience, and community every step of the way.
Meghan Maciolek
If you’ve been with Legacy of Hope for any amount of time, you already know Meghan, she has been a steady, loyal presence for years—always the first to say, “How can I help?”
Her heart for service comes from her parents. Her mom, with 18 years of sobriety, helped countless others through AA. Her dad dedicated himself to serving the most vulnerable in our community. Their lives were shining examples of service. Now, through Legacy of Hope, Meghan carries their legacy forward—while building her own for her family and children.
“I run to honor my parents’ legacy, to serve others, and to inspire hope. I run for those who cannot.“
Joe
Rinaldi
The founder of Project Endure ,and Philly Runs Free sponsored runners says,
"Life is hard and there's no getting around that. Being born with a genetic eye condition that causes progressive loss of sight has given me a lot of perspective. One of the biggest lessons that I've learned through navigating challenge is that we don't have to do it alone.
I started Project Endure to cultivate a community of people who see value in supporting others and being supported through the hard things – that goes for the hard things we choose, and the hard that chooses us".
