Zurich Marathon

My first run. For something bigger.

In 2024, I ran my very first marathon in Zurich.

It was another personal milestone - and the second challenge in a journey that transforms endurance into support for cancer research.

Together with more than 80 individuals and companies, we raised funds for innovative research, proving once again that meaningful progress is built one step at a time.

Because cancer research, like a marathon, is never about speed. It is about perseverance, resilience, and moving forward together.

Introduction

  • 42.195 km

  • 3:47:46 finish time

  • 80+ supporters

  • CHF 15,036 raised

  • 1 young researcher funded

The Training

Looking back, training was the best part, because you become better than when you started.
You just need to show up - and get a little better, every day.

Zurich, 8:30 AM

The start line. Nervous. Focused. My first race ever.
You can prepare everything, but you can’t control the weather. April 21 in Zurich: snow forecast.

Km 21 - Halfway

They say a marathon is 16 km of warming up, 16 km of running the way you trained, and 10 km of pure heart.
The warm-up was over. Then the snow arrived.

Km 34 - The Wall

Every step hurt, but I kept going.
As Murakami says: “Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional. The ‘hurt’ part is an unavoidable reality, but whether or not you can stand anymore is up to you only.”

Finish Line - 42.195 Km

3:47:46. Done. Exhausted. Frozen. Grateful.

Why it mattered

The funds raised were donated to a joint research project between the Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB) and the Institute of Oncology Research (IOR) in Bellinzona.

Led by Dr. Andrea Cavalli and coordinated by postdoctoral researchers Dr. Concetta Guerra and Dr. Jacopo Sgrignani, the project explores innovative therapeutic strategies targeting proteins involved in cancer and rare diseases.

By combining structural biology, artificial intelligence, and medicinal chemistry, the research team has identified promising new compounds that could help restore the body's natural defenses against cancer cells.

Several encouraging results have already been achieved, and the project is now progressing toward the next stage of preclinical research—bringing these discoveries one step closer to future therapies.

Watch the project video

How you can support

  • A first step


    CHF 5 / JPY 1,000

    Even the smallest contribution matters. Many first steps together can start a journey of change.

    Donate CHF 5 / JPY 1,000

  • A set of samples


    CHF 50 / JPY 10,000

    Support the materials needed to test an innovative idea. With your help, a researcher can move from theory to practice.

    Donate CHF 50 / JPY 10,000

  • A key experiment


    CHF 500 / JPY 100,000

    Enable a crucial experiment in cancer research. This level of support can generate the first results that open new directions.

    Recognition on website and SNS channels.

    Donate CHF 500 / JPY 100,000

  • A breakthrough opportunity


    CHF 2,500 / JPY 500,000

    Fund a young researcher’s project idea with a direct pilot grant. Your support allows a postdoc to generate preliminary data and apply for larger grants.

    Recognition on website and SNS channels, plus a feature in the Faces of Hope Donor Series.

    Donate CHF 2,500 / JPY 500,000

  • Donate easily with TWINT

    Switzerland only

    Donations via TWINT are anonymous. To help us keep track and properly thank you, we would appreciate it if you let us know.

Join the journey

I hope you’ll join us on this journey: by making a donation and/or by sharing this initiative with others.

Small steps. Real impact.

Support Faces of Hope