Running Marathons to Make a Difference, with Mike Kloepfer

For many, running just one marathon is a life goal and puts you in a category with only .01% of the global population who even attempt this feat each year. But imagine running 111 marathons? Now we are talking about a very select group that has ever pulled off this rare achievement. Michael Kloepfer is one of those special individuals who runs not only for the pure joy of it but for the purpose of raising money to support cancer research at Sloan Kettering. Since he started running marathons in 1996 at age 42 through his most recent New York City marathon finish at age 70, Mike and his team have raised over 1 million dollars to help beat cancer through Sloan Kettering. He has run races all over the world and is a winner of the Abbott medal for completing all 6 world major marathons (and leads all Abbott medal winners with 77 total finishes). He has now run 28 consecutive NYC marathons and is one of 108 people with active streaks over 25 for the Boston Marathon. Of course, any achievement like this doesn’t come without challenges which for Mike has included fighting his own cancer in 2024. He has received surgery, is in complete response (successful removal), and is ready to keep going in 2025! Every step is that much more meaningful for Mike now as he continues to make a difference by assisting other patients in need. If you’d like to contribute and help Mike reach his $200k goal (he has already personally raised $100k), go to fredsteam.org and either enter Mike Kloepfer or his team name, Mikey’s team. 

Enjoy this inspirational podcast and listen to the many stories Mike shares about his adventures and people he has met along the way including Grete Waitz, Dr. Howard Scher, and Aubrey Barr (video link tells her story). A word of caution, Mike’s story has inspired many, so know by listening to this podcast you may find yourself thinking about joining the marathon craze and running the NYC streets with Mike raising money for Sloan Kettering!  You can listen here or watch here.