The American Cancer Society’s endurance event program started in our Illinois Division in 1996 by one passionate individual who wanted to run a marathon in memory of a friend he had recently lost to cancer. This program became widely known throughout Illinois as the American Cancer Society Charity Runner program, and for more than a decade has helped thousands of athletes achieve their training and race goals while saving lives, primarily through running events such as the Chicago Marathon.

Because of its overwhelming popularity by athletes of all abilities, interest from other endurance sports like triathlons and cycling events, and the powerful opportunity to save even more lives form cancer, the American Cancer Society decided to expand the program nationwide in 2007. In order to be more inclusive of all endurance events (not just running), Charity Runner has evolved into the American Cancer Society DetermiNation. DetermiNation represents the hard work, strength, and commitment needed to compete in an endurance race – and those are the same qualities the American Cancer Society calls on in the race to save lives from cancer.

What started as one man’s vision in Illinois has blossomed into nearly 60 DetermiNation races across the country and is continuing to grow at a rapid pace.

If you have participated as an American Cancer Society Charity Runner in the past, you are now a part of the DetermiNation – a nation of athletes determined to end cancer and save lives. Through this unique and life-changing movement, with every mile we conquer, we are creating a world with less cancer and more birthdays.

To find a one of our nationwide DetermiNation events, click here.