The V Foundation for Cancer Research’s “Team V” Crosses the Finish Line on a Record-Breaking Year, Raising Over $680,000
Cary, NC (January 16, 2026) - The V Foundation for Cancer Research’s endurance sports fundraising program, “Team V,” wrapped an exciting year, raising more than $680,000 in 2025 and surpassing $5.5 million for groundbreaking cancer research since the program’s start in 2014.
This success was highlighted during a historic 2025, where 135 Team V athletes participated in endurance races around the globe, all benefiting the V Foundation’s mission to fund all-star scientists and accelerate Victory Over Cancer®. Of note, this year saw the highest number of Team V participants and fundraising totals for both the Berlin and Chicago marathon teams.
The V Foundation commits 100% of direct donations to cancer research, and the funds will be awarded to high-impact researchers at top institutions across North America to accelerate the discovery of lifesaving treatments and improve outcomes for all patients. With over two million new cancer cases projected to be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2026, the mission of the V Foundation has never been more urgent.
Team V leveraged the energy of the world’s most prestigious marathons and endurance events, serving as an official charity partner for three Abbott World Marathon Majors: BMW Berlin Marathon, Bank of America Chicago Marathon, and TCS New York City Marathon. Team V also included a wide array of “Choose Your Own” events, including the Lake Placid Ironman, Ocean State Rhode Races Marathon, Wineglass Marathon, and the XTERRA Dolomiti di Brenta Trail Marathon in Italy. Many of the participants were fueled by personal connections to the disease.
“The V Foundation is so special because every single dollar raised goes directly toward game-changing cancer research. Unfortunately, every one of us knows someone who has had a battle with cancer. This time last year, my nana was enduring her fight, so I knew if there was a way I could use our platform to raise money to find a cure, I had to do it,” said Michelle Smallmon, co-host of ESPN Radio’s Unsportsmanlike and NYC Marathon Team V runner. “[This race day] really brings out the best of us all.”
The V Foundation is preparing for another impactful year in 2026 to fund the best-of-the-best in cancer research, and interested runners have three distinct pathways to participate with Team V:
- Official Charity Entry: Secure a guaranteed race entry for BMW Berlin Marathon, Bank of America Chicago Marathon, and TCS New York City Marathon through the V Foundation. Runners commit to a minimum fundraising goal to benefit the V Foundation (available on a first-come, first-serve basis).
- Fundraise Only: Athletes who have already secured their own race entry can join as a “Fundraise Only” member, participating in the Team V community with their own entry.
- Choose Your Own Race: This flexible option allows participants who secure their own entries to a race of their choice to fundraise for the V Foundation, from local 5Ks to ultramarathons.
“Every mile logged and every dollar raised by Team V translates directly into high-risk, high-reward science that may not otherwise receive funding,” said Andrew Lackey, Director of DIY Fundraising at the V Foundation. “We are proud to support researchers who have made a proven positive impact, and Team V has invested $5.5 million into that work since 2014. We’re continuing to see lifesaving breakthroughs in research, and there’s never been a better time to lace up your shoes and join this cause.”
