In March of 2019, Julie Weiss, the “Marathon Goddess,” embarked on a new campaign, 52 Races for 52 Faces, in partnership with the Hirshberg Foundation, to shine a light on pancreatic cancer. On March 8, 2020, a year of races wrapped up with Julie’s incredible finish at the LA Marathon. Running for the Hirshberg Training Team, she ran her 109th marathon to date. That evening, at our team’s celebration dinner, we reflected on the incredible dedications made over the past year and Julie’s incredible journey.
Participating in full and half marathons, 10K’s and 5K’s, Julie has run for pancreatic cancer survivors of all ages and backgrounds. She’s run for 10+ year survivors, for fathers and mothers, for a Congressman and Supreme Court Justice, for a veteran and female triathlete, for loved ones lost too soon and for a community fighting to cure this devastating disease. The past year has included both triumphs and trying moments for Julie as she’s pounded the pavement across the United States, all in the name of pancreatic cancer. By the end of this journey, Julie had raced in 8 different states (California, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, Washington DC, Illinois, Hawaii, and Washington) and collectively helped fundraise over $275,000 for the Hirshberg Foundation!
She’s crossed the final finish line for the 52 Races for 52 Faces campaign but the stories shared will never be forgotten. Thanks to all who of you who have helped make 52 Races for 52 Faces possible, by making runner dedications or giving donations, by cheering for Julie in person or following her journey online. Together, we will continue to fund research for a cure, to shine a light on survivors and will never give up.