Dr. Matthew DiCaprio and the Sarcoma Strong organization are widening the reach of their annual 5K fundraiser and awareness campaign in 2026, extending participation to 40 states and a dozen countries while anchoring the effort in the Capital Region’s research community.
The event, traditionally a local run, now draws runners, volunteers, and donors from across the United States and several international locations. By broadening its geographic footprint, Sarcoma Strong aims to generate additional resources for sarcoma research and treatment, a field that has faced persistent funding gaps.
Capital Region researchers and institutions are playing a central role in the expanded campaign. Their involvement underscores the area’s growing reputation as a hub for cancer research leadership. The fundraiser’s national and international growth reflects that reputation, positioning the region as a model for collaborative cancer‑focused initiatives.
Organizers have highlighted the need for increased financial support to accelerate scientific studies, clinical trials, and patient‑care advancements specific to sarcoma. The 5K run serves both as a public‑facing awareness platform and a direct source of contributions earmarked for research grants and treatment programs.
Participants from the 40 states and the dozen countries are expected to converge on the Capital Region for the main race, while satellite events will occur in partner locations worldwide. The coordinated effort seeks to unify a broad community of supporters around a common goal: strengthening the pipeline of funding that enables researchers to pursue new therapies and improve outcomes for sarcoma patients.
As the fundraiser reaches its expanded scale, Sarcoma Strong and Dr. DiCaprio anticipate that the increased visibility and financial inflow will help mitigate the chronic underfunding that has limited progress in sarcoma research, fostering a more robust scientific environment both locally and abroad.