The Lemon Run Philadelphia, held on Sunday, November 13, 2011, made for two back to back weekends of successful events for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. After the Foundation’s fantastic foodie event in Los Angeles the weekend before, supporters on the East Coast presented an equally inspiring show of solidarity at the Foundation’s annual Philly 5K Run/Walk and Kids’ Dash.



The brisk and sunny morning brought out nearly 2,000 participants, including runners, walkers, children and those who simply came to show their support in the battle against childhood cancer. The 2011 event was a record breaking year for many reasons, including for funds raised – over $150,000! Intermingled with athletes who came to run the certified course were several fundraising teams honoring childhood cancer fighters.

The fundraising teams created a competition of their own, vying for the top position. Among the teams were Team Gusto, honoring 5-year-old Eli, a resident of Gladwyne village who is fighting his cancer with gusto; Team Mikey Mike, honoring childhood cancer survivor Michael Hoffman; Team Smiley Riley, formed by the family of 2-year-old cancer survivor Riley McComb; and Team Dave-O, honoring the memory of David Theobald, who died of cancer in 1982 at the age of 8. In the end, Team Gusto may have won the fundraising competition, but all the teams were winners knowing that their efforts would go toward the ongoing mission to end childhood cancer. We also want to mention that the top individual fundraiser was 2-year-old Lucy Littlefield, a cancer survivor!



The overall winner of the 3.1 mile race was Rich Burke with a time of 16 minutes and 45 seconds. The overall female winner was Grace Mancini, cruising across the finish line at 18 minutes and 55 seconds.

The morning was a huge success and wouldn’t have been possible without the participation of all runners, walkers, fundraising teams and sponsors. A special shout out to Volvo, and to all those who traveled from out of town to participate in the event. Can you believe that we had people from Syracuse, Houston and even Brazil! Thank you!

For pictures, race results and more information, visit our website: http://www.alexslemonade.org/campaign/lemon-run

- Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation