Every year, runners around the world train for races they may never get into.
Berlin. New York City. Even hometown races like the Philadelphia Marathon. The demand is high, qualifying standards are tight, lotteries are unforgiving, and for many runners the biggest obstacle isn’t fitness—it’s access.
One path that often gets overlooked is running for charity. And when done right, it can turn a race entry into something far more meaningful than a finish time.
That’s where Students Run Philly Style comes in.
A Different Kind of Entry
Students Run Philly Style (SRPS) is a Philadelphia-based nonprofit that pairs middle and high school students with volunteer running mentors. Together, they train for races ranging from 5Ks to full marathons—using running as a tool for mentorship, consistency, and personal growth.
Each year, SRPS serves more than 1,500 students across 50+ schools in Philadelphia, creating a space where young people feel supported, welcomed, and confident in their movement journeys.
Their charity runner program helps make that possible.
Funds raised by charity runners directly support the youth mentorship program, covering essential costs like race registration for students, running shoes and shirts, and transportation to and from races. By removing these financial barriers, SRPS keeps the program completely free for the students it serves.
For runners, that means one thing: your miles matter—long after race day.
From Competitive Running to Community Impact
One of SRPS’s recent charity runners was Chloe Stanfield, a former Division I track and field athlete and current youth performance coach in the Philadelphia area. Chloe chose to run the Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run as a charity runner for Students Run Philly Style because of her belief in the power of running to change lives.
Reflecting on her own experience as a teenager, Chloe shared:
“Running saved my own life as a teenager, and I hope to help students everywhere find that same love for movement.”
During the Philadelphia Half Marathon, Chloe found herself running alongside one of the SRPS students near the finish line. The two encouraged each other in those final miles—mentor and student, athlete and young runner—crossing the line together.
It’s a moment that captures what charity running can look like when it’s rooted in connection, not just fundraising.
Opportunities to Run—and Give Back
Through its Run for Philly’s Future charity runner program, Students Run Philly Style offers runners the chance to gain entry into some of the most sought-after races, while supporting youth mentorship in the process.
World Majors & International Marathons
- Berlin Marathon – $5,000 fundraising minimum (3 spots available)
- TCS New York City Marathon – $5,000 fundraising minimum (spots to be determined)
- Dublin Marathon – $1,500 fundraising minimum (10 spots available)
Submitting an application or interest form does not guarantee entry.
Philadelphia-Area Races
- Independence Blue Cross Broad Street Run – $750 fundraising minimum
- Philadelphia Marathon (full & half) – $750 fundraising minimum
- Philadelphia Distance Run (half) – $500 fundraising minimum
For runners who already invest months of training into these races, aligning that effort with a cause can add a deeper layer of purpose to the experience.
More Than a Bib
At its best, running has always been about more than pace charts and personal records. It’s about showing up, building consistency, and discovering what you’re capable of—lessons that extend far beyond the road or track.
Students Run Philly Style embodies that philosophy. By connecting runners chasing their own goals with students learning to believe in theirs, the program turns a race entry into a shared journey.
For runners looking for another way into major marathons—or simply a way to make their miles count—charity programs offer more than just access; they offer a chance to pass the sport forward. Visit Students Run Philly Style to see how you can run for a reason.
