Registration is open for the 38th Annual Jimmy Fund Walk, which will send thousands of participants along the Boston Marathon course on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026.

The walk, presented by Hyundai, aims to raise $10 million for adult and pediatric cancer care and research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Last year's walk set a record: more than 9,300 walkers and 1,000 volunteers raised $11.2 million, the first time the event surpassed $10 million in a single year, according to Dana-Farber.

The Jimmy Fund Walk is the only organized walk permitted on the Boston Marathon course. Participants choose from four distances: a 5K starting at Dana-Farber's Longwood campus in Boston, a 10K from the Boston College law campus in Newton, a half marathon from Wellesley High School, or the full marathon from Hopkinton Middle School. All routes end at Boston Common, at the corner of Charles and Beacon streets. Walkers who prefer to participate from home can register for a virtual option and complete their distance on their own time.

How to sign up

Registration is open at JimmyFund.org/Walk or by calling (866) 531-9255. The promo code NEWS takes $5 off the registration fee. Volunteers are needed at early check-in on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, at Wellesley High School and on walk day itself.

Costs and fundraising

Registration costs $30 for in-person adults and $10 for virtual participants, according to the Jimmy Fund Walk team captain manual. Adults walking in person commit to raising at least $330 total, while youth under 18 commit to $130. Virtual fundraising minimums are $100 for adults and $30 for youth. Walkers who raise $1,500 or more earn "Pacesetter" status with invitations to special events; youth who raise $500 qualify as Young Pacesetters.

Along the route

Eleven refueling stations line the course with snacks, beverages, and restrooms, including one station serving a light lunch. Hero posters featuring photographs and quotes from Dana-Farber patients are placed along the route.

Barbara Gubb, a longtime walker who reached $250,000 in cumulative fundraising in 2025, reflected on the event's impact in Dana-Farber's Impact Magazine in spring 2026: "Simply said, the money raised offers a chance at life. That's the real bottom line."

Gubb began walking 17 years ago after her sister was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Upcoming dates

  • Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026 — Early check-in at Wellesley High School
  • Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. — 38th Annual Jimmy Fund Walk, finish line at Boston Common