Fighting for a Future Without Cancer: Support the American Cancer Society - OC Marathon | OC Half Marathon & 5k

We’re excited to welcome The American Cancer Society (ACS) back as a 2025 charity partner of the OC Marathon, as they continue their relentless fight against cancer. For over 110 years, ACS has been at the forefront of improving the lives of those affected by cancer and their families. With a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone, ACS is a leading organization that combines advocacy, research, and patient support to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer. In 2023 alone, The American Cancer Society touched the lives of 152 million people, offering essential services like cancer screening in underserved communities, providing over 759,000 rides to treatment, and offering more than 500,000 free lodging nights for patients seeking care away from home.

In addition to offering vital patient support, ACS’s impact extends even further through ongoing research. Since 1946, they’ve invested more than $5 billion in cancer research, leading to life-saving breakthroughs. These efforts have helped reduce cancer mortality by 33% since 1991 and increased the five-year survival rate for all cancers combined to 68%. Their research has helped uncover key factors in cancer prevention and treatment, such as the development of chemotherapy for childhood leukemia and the effectiveness of mammography.

With the support of 1.5 million volunteers, millions of Relay For Life participants worldwide, and thousands of independent fundraisers like those running the OC Marathon, ACS continues to drive change in the cancer community. These fundraising events play a vital role in supporting their mission and ensuring essential programs like the 24/7 helpline (800.227.2345), free lodging, and patient services.

At the heart of ACS’s work is their unwavering commitment to making cancer a thing of the past. By partnering with communities, companies, and volunteers, ACS is making incredible strides toward a world where cancer is no longer a major health problem. With over 18 million cancer survivors alive today, The American Cancer Society remains dedicated to ensuring that everyone has a chance to beat cancer and live a full, healthy life.

Runner Rebate Program

We’re excited to offer the Runner Rebate Program, which allows you to make your support for The American Cancer Society even more meaningful. Runners who commit to fundraising for this amazing cause can earn a full refund of their registration fee by reaching the specified fundraising goals! Here’s how you can get involved:

For the 5K, raise $150 and receive a 100% refund of your registration fees.
For the half marathon, raise $350 and get a 100% refund of your registration fees.
For the full marathon, raise $500 and you’ll receive a 100% refund of your registration fees.
For the 5K/Half Combo Crush, raise $650 and receive a 100% refund of your registration fees.
For the 5K/Full Combo Crush, raise $750 and receive a 100% refund of your registration fees.

Raise over $500 in any race and receive an American Cancer Society jersey to show your support!

By achieving these fundraising goals, you’ll not only get to run for free, but also help provide essential support to individuals and families facing cancer through the vital work of The American Cancer Society. Many of their runners dedicate their race to someone, honor someone’s battle, or celebrate a healthy victory. Share your story and make a difference in the world of cancer!

Join us in supporting the American Cancer Society and their mission to help those affected by cancer by funding life-saving research, patient services, and prevention programs. To donate or fundraise for ACS, simply click the link below: