The Race to Marathon #300
American Liver Foundation (ALF) volunteer and 2024 Liver Life Challenge Global Ambassador, Jim Miller is no stranger to overcoming difficult tasks. As he continues his quest to run his 300th marathon with our Liver Life Challenge® team at this year’s Boston Marathon®, he hopes that his story will inspire you to donate and help keep the momentum going. Jim said, “I ran 34 marathons, including five 100-mile marathons, in 2024 to stay on target, and so far, this year I’ve run another nine marathons. Now at marathon #299, my training, energy, and mindset is fully focused on marathon #300 – the 129th Boston Marathon happening Monday, April 21st.
Jim became involved with ALF more than 24 years ago after losing his father to liver cancer caused by undiagnosed metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease (MASLD), formerly nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), formerly nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Since then, he has dedicated his life to running in memory of his late father, and in honor of the more than 100 million Americans affected by liver disease. Jim has run each “centennial marathon” with ALF – 100, 200 and now, 300. He said, “There is no ego here, I am just an old guy with long hair who enjoys running and is passionate about raising awareness and critical funding for those affected by liver disease.” Despite his humble roots, Jim’s dedication to the liver community is truly inspiring and can be seen reverberating throughout the running world and his personal networks. Jim said, “How many 72-year-olds do you know out there who are running – and finishing – full marathons, 100-mile marathons? If I can help just one person with my story, my mission is worthwhile.”
80-100 million Americans are affected by MASLD – most are unaware.
When Jim isn’t training, or running, he’s out in the community networking and planning new and exciting fundraisers. Last year, he held two silent auctions and hosted the largest Greek Life 5K with his Alpha Tao Omega fraternity brothers at his alma mater, the University of New Hampshire, and there are already plans in place to repeat and grow the 5K in October 2025. He also started a grassroots fundraiser on his social media channels asking for donations of $26 in honor of the 26.2-miles in each marathon. Jim said, “I received over 50 donations in the first month and I believe it has the potential to keep going. $26 may not seem like a lot to ask, but it adds up and as we all know, every dollar counts.” Jim has raised more than $17,000 for Team ALF at the Boston Marathon for a combined total of nearly $70,000 towards his $100,000 goal. Will you help Jim and the 100 million Americans affected by liver disease with a donation of $26 today?
On April 10th, just before the Boston Marathon, ALF will host, Leadership in Liver Health, an intimate event held in honor of local heroes like Jim, and showcasing the impactful progress ALF is making in the fight against liver disease. Guest speakers will include running legends, Dave McGillivray, race director and athlete known most notably for running 3,452 miles across the U.S., and Bob Dunfey, athlete and Race Director of the Gorham Savings Bank Maine Marathon, Half Marathon & Relay. The event will feature uplifting stories and highlight the extraordinary spirit of dedication and strength radiating from ALF Liver Life Challenge participants.
Funds raised through Liver Life Challenge events helps ALF continue transformative programs and initiatives such as Think Liver Think Life®, and The American Liver Foundation Patient Registry, the first-ever patient registry dedicated to all types of liver disease that will help provide researchers with a better understanding of liver diseases, the impact of current treatments, and how your liver disease affects YOU!
Be the change you want to see; donate today.