Meet Johnny Runner
A cancer survivor and lifelong runner, John brings people together to move, connect, and give back
My Journey
Running has always been part of who I am. But in 2012, my life took an unexpected turn when I was diagnosed with Mantle Cell Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer.
Treatment began that spring: six months of intensive chemotherapy followed by a stem cell transplant. It was the hardest race of my life — one I didn’t sign up for, but was determined to finish. With the incredible care of my medical team, the support of family and friends, and sheer determination, I reached remission in September 2012.
Since then, I’ve celebrated milestones — five years cancer-free meant moving to annual screenings, and crossing the ten-year mark still in remission. Through it all, running has remained my anchor. Each mile has reminded me of strength, resilience, and the power of community.
Today, I’m healthy, grateful, and running with renewed purpose: to give back, to build community, and to show that resilience can carry us farther than we imagine.
Why I Run Today
Running gave me hope during my hardest moments. Today, it’s how I connect with people, support causes I care about, and inspire others to listen to their bodies and never give up.
Every event, charity, and trail project I’m part of ties back to this purpose—using movement to create impact.
Moments That Shaped My Journey
This is bigger than me.
My story is one of many. I share it to encourage you to find strength in movement, give back to your community, and support causes that matter. Together, resilience can carry us farther than we imagine.
