In 2026, The Laughlin Family Foundation proudly became an official charity partner of the Marine Corps Marathon for the first time. What began as an opportunity to bring greater awareness to rare cancers became something much bigger: a community of runners, families and supporters united by personal stories and a shared purpose to run 26.2 miles.
Together, our inaugural team of 14 runners raised more than $81,000 for rare cancer research, education and advocacy, with tremendous support from our presenting sponsor Seward & Kissel.
The excitement began before race day with the foundation’s first-ever Marine Corps Marathon Team Luncheon on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at Starr Hill Brewery in Tysons Corner, VA. Runners and their families gathered for a pre-race meal, team camaraderie and an afternoon dedicated to celebrating the people behind the miles.
The afternoon also included the presentation of our inaugural Fundraising Champion Award, which was awarded to Andrew Notaro, who personally raised more than $13,000 for the foundation. As Linda Laughlin’s nephew, Andrew's reason for running was close to home. He took on the 26.2 miles to support his aunt, his family and a cause that was deeply personal. We're incredibly proud of Andrew and grateful for all of his support and dedication to our team and cause.
We were also honored to welcome Dr. Kevin Willis, Sports Psychologist, who spoke with our team about the power of being your own inner coach, building mental resilience and navigating the difficult mental and physical moments that inevitably come with running a marathon.
It was a wonderful afternoon of encouragement, connection and excitement as our team prepared to take on 26.2 miles in the heart of Washington, D.C.
EVERY RUNNER HAD A STORY AND EVERY MILE HAD A PURPOSE.
Race day for our team brought plenty of firsts, personal records and some pretty incredible accomplishments. At just 14 years old, McKinley Moran completed her first marathon. Jenna Harris and Ron Hartnett Jr. also ran their first 26.2 miles, while Lisa Conti and Conrad Fernandez returned to the Marine Corp Marathon for the first time in 10 years. Colleen Boak pushed through a significant injury to make it across the finish line.
“This was for such a great cause - rare cancers - and thinking of Linda and overcoming all sorts of struggles especially for women ... was truly inspiring and kept me going.” - Conrad Fernandes
Our team also had some remarkable performances on the course, with two runners finishing in under three hours! Ian Dennis finished 16th overall in 2:27:28, setting a new personal best and earning a spot among the top 20 finishers, and Sam Bowles also had an incredible race, crossing the finish line in 2:59:51.
For Hannah Jesensky, the race was especially personal. She ran in honor of her mother, who is currently battling uterine serous carcinoma, the rare and aggressive cancer that inspired the founding of our foundation. “It was such a wonderful first marathon experience to be a part of. My family and I loved meeting [the Laughlin Family] l and hearing about the work you are doing, and I know my mom was encouraged hearing Linda share her experience.” - Hannah Jesensky
A huge congratulations and thank you to all of our other runners who completed the marathon and helped move our mission forward: Jamie Broadhead, Caoimhe Stafford, Kendall Miller, and Andy Isbel.
And the excitement continued at the finish line, where Craig and Linda Laughlin greeted our runners, congratulated them on their accomplishments and celebrated with them after 26.2 miles.
From first-time marathoners to seasoned runners, every member of the team brought their own reason for taking on the challenge. We're so proud of what this inaugural team accomplished and grateful to our runners, their families, donors, and presenting sponsor, Seward & Kissel, for helping raise more than $81,000 for rare cancer research, education and advocacy.
A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR RUNNERS, THEIR FAMILIES, OUR DONORS AND SEWARD & KISSEL FOR MAKING OUR FIRST MARINE CORPS MARATHON TEAM SUCH A SUCCESS.
WANT TO RUN WITH US IN 2027?
We're already planning for the 2027 Marine Corps Marathon, and we'd love to grow our team! The race will take place on October 31, 2027, and we're hoping to welcome both familiar faces and new runners.
If you're interested in joining the team, or know someone who might be, please email us at MCM@thelaughlinfoundation.org. Registration for our charity team is expected to open in February 2027. We'd love to hear from you and hope you'll consider running with us next year!
