Ten years of helping families understand their hereditary cancer risk, get answers through genetic testing, and take the next step. You don’t run 26.2 miles — you take 26.2 steps, in honor of someone you love.
of all cancers may be caused by inherited genetic changes — and most people who carry that risk never find out. Knowing early changes what you and your doctors can do about it.
A grassroots idea has grown into a decade of awareness, dollars raised, and people reached.
This is an approximate, cumulative figure across ten years. Historically these gifts went directly to our partner charities — Bright Pink, the Hereditary Cancer Foundation, and Nebraska Medicine — and the official donation records are held by those charities, so the exact total resides with them. Going forward, gifts made through the Mini Marathon will be collected and reported by us directly.
Too many people never learn that their cancer risk may be inherited, that genetic testing may be right for them, or that knowing early can change everything. We exist to close that gap and remove the barriers — fear, cost, access, and confusion — that stop people from taking the next step.
Understand hereditary cancer risk, family history, and why genetic testing matters.
Get trusted information, real stories, and expert voices so you can make informed choices.
Take the next step: testing, a provider conversation, or joining us at the event.
“Most marathons are for those dedicated souls. This one is dedicated to all souls.”
Denise Ibsen Cole founded the Mini Marathon after losing her mother to cancer and learning she carries the BRCA1 mutation. In 2016 she broke her hip training for the Chicago Marathon — and decided everyone deserves to cross a finish line. So: 26.2 steps, not miles.
Ten years of 26.2 steps, in the words of the people who take them.
This film is from 2016. Ten years on, the vision hasn’t changed. Join us September 20.
A marathon anyone can finish. Registration is free — just let us know you’re coming so we can plan.
From the people who take the steps, and the people who see the impact up close.
“The 26.2 Step Mini Marathon is such an inspiring and meaningful event that brings awareness to cancers and genetic testing and makes such a positive difference in our community. I love working with them every year. Thank you all for your dedication to promoting health, wellness, and community. Your impact reaches far beyond the finish line of 26.2 steps!”
Lisa Butler-Walker · Participant
“I’m very appreciative of how the event brings everyone in this community together. From the healthy at-risk person to the patients currently in the midst of their cancer journey and their families. Everyone leaves with a sense of accomplishment because they did a marathon! It’s very gratifying to be able to contribute and be a part of this community.”
Kerry Rodabaugh, MD · Medical Advisor, 26.2 Step Mini Marathon
Our goal is $10,000: $5,000 from supporters and sponsors, matched dollar-for-dollar by a 100% board match. At least 70% of every dollar goes directly to the Hereditary Cancer Foundation and Nebraska Medicine Oncology, with the rest kept to cover the cost of putting on the event. No one on this team draws a salary. See where every dollar goes.
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26.2 Step Mini Marathon