AKTIV Against Cancer Top Fundraisers
AKTIV Against Cancer is proud to introduce our foundations #1 Marathon Fundraiser - Charles Jennings. Having raised $20,120, he helped solidify our 2026 Boston Marathon team as the highest fundraised in AKTIV history at $310,325 and counting! To learn more about Charles, his story, and what being AKTIV means to him and his community, keep scrolling!
boston marathon 2026: Charles Jennings (bronx, new york)
“AKTIV gave my effort a purpose—and once it had purpose, everything expanded.
It turned running into something that mattered beyond the finish line.”
Charles jennings post completion of the 2026 boston marathon
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TCS New York City Marathon – 2021
TCS New York City Marathon – 2022
Bank of America Chicago Marathon – 2023
TCS New York City Marathon – 2023
Tokyo Marathon – 2024
TCS London Marathon – 2025
BMW Berlin Marathon – 2025
Boston Marathon – 2026
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Charles is looking forward to “Global running across multiple continents with intentional recovery and travel experiences in between”. As part of this goal he sees himself completing the following races:
2027 – (1) USA Marathon (Houston / California / Minnesota) – TBD
2028 – Cape Town Marathon
2029 – Sydney Marathon
2031 – Boston Marathon
2032 – Shanghai Marathon
The Veronica B. Jennings Initiative for AKTIV Against Cancer
“From the very beginning of this journey, my family has been at the heart of why this work matters to me. I have always believed in the importance of remembrance—of making sure that the people who shape us are known, honored, and carried forward through purpose.
In that spirit, this campaign proudly carries her name:
The Veronica B. Jennings Initiative for AKTIV Against Cancer.
This initiative reflects the values that have guided this effort from the start—strength, resilience, love, passion, and an unwavering commitment to self-determination. It exists to promote cancer awareness, early detection education, and meaningful support for families navigating similar challenges.
This work has never been about a single moment. It is about energy and momentum.”
Why AKTIV Against Cancer?
“I decided to run with Active Against Cancer because I wanted to support a charity that really aligned with who I am. I was looking for something that either focused on minority communities and running or was dedicated to cancer, and Aktiv Against Cancer did both. Still, the real hook was meeting Nathan, a former AKTIV charity runner, completely by chance in Berlin airport in September 2025. That moment stuck with me. It felt more than coincidence—almost like a nudge telling me I was supposed to be part of this team.
At age 55, I’ve realized something simple but life changing: running and physical exercise are the most important things I could do for myself. And it became just as important to find an organization that supported that belief – a place that supported that energy and who would provide additional motivation for the fight.”
What were your expectations going into Boston? Reflections following the race?
“Going into Boston, I felt calm and grounded. There wasn’t uncertainty about finishing—that had already been established through previous races. This time was different. It was about execution.
Boston felt like a responsibility, not just a race. I was representing AKTIV, the people who supported me, and the cause behind every mile.
After the race, what stood out most was confirmation. The system I had built—physically, mentally, and structurally—held under pressure.
Boston wasn’t the beginning. It was proof of my arrival, not my ambition.”
How did your fundraising journey impact your connection with your community?
“The fundraising journey created visibility beyond running.
It gave people a chance to connect with something meaningful and participate in a cause bigger than an individual race. It brought conversations around health, resilience, and support into spaces where they weren’t happening before.
It turned something personal into something shared.
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Fundraising created connections with people I would not have otherwise reached—both within and outside my immediate circle.
Some relationships were strengthened, and new ones were formed through a shared purpose rather than proximity. That added a completely different layer to the experience.”
What impact did your experience have that you might not have expected?
“One of the biggest unexpected impacts was the level of responsibility I felt.
Once people contributed, I didn’t feel like I was just running for myself. I was accountable to something bigger. That shifted the way I prepared, how I approached the race, and how I carried myself throughout the process. The feedback was overwhelming and I am still thanking many who supported this cause.
It elevated everything.”
What advice would you give to runners that want to meet or even exceed a fundraising goal while also training?
Keep it simple and “structured”:
Treat fundraising like training—it requires consistency, not bursts of effort
Be clear about your purpose—people respond to authenticity
Don’t be afraid to ask; you’re not asking for yourself, you’re inviting others to contribute
Stay disciplined in both areas—training and fundraising are parallel systems
Most importantly, stay in it—momentum builds over time