Please Consider Helping Hopewell HS Trainer Lauren Linn as She Runs to Raise Money for Cancer

When she’s not working to help our high school athletes, Hopewell High School Athletic Trainer Lauren Linn is doing her part to try and raise money for the fight against cancer.

Linn will be competing in the upcoming Chicago Marathon and will be running this race for the American Cancer Society.

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is one of the world’s premier marathons and one of the six Abbott World Marathon Majors, alongside Boston, New York, London, Berlin and Toky

-October 11, 2026, is race day
-55,000 runners are expected
-Runs through 29 Chicago neighborhoods
-The race starts and finishes at Grant Park

The Chicago Marathon has one of the largest organized charity programs associated with the marathon and Linn will be running for the American Cancer Society.

ACS has an endurance fundraising program called DetermiNation. It specifically connects endurance athletes with cancer fundraising. Which is what that relates to on her ACS Shirt.

The American Cancer Society has spent more than a century working to improve the lives of people affected by cancer through research, patient support, education, advocacy, and prevention. Their work doesn’t stop when someone receives a diagnosis. They help people navigate cancer and provide resources and support throughout the journey.

This is the Team Linn will be on:  Team:Below Average Running (BAR). She’ll will be running with her cousin Nicole and friends. She’s run all my other marathons with the exception of my last one with her. She’s created a platform on social media with followers on Instagram and TikTok surpassing 100,000. Her handle is Below Average Running, and one of her slogans is “Because you don’t have to be fast to run.”

“Cancer has touched too many people I know and love, which is why I’ve joined the American Cancer Society to make a difference,” Linn tells Vikings Sports Now. “By supporting this important work, I’m celebrating cancer survivors, honoring those we’ve lost, and raising critical funds to help end cancer as we know it, for everyone. The money I raise helps fund groundbreaking research, provides vital information for those facing cancer, and supports free rides to treatment and free lodging when care is far from home. Most of all, I know the funds raised brings hope to the people who need it most.”

“By standing with the American Cancer Society, I stand with the more than 18 million cancer survivors in the U.S. today—and with those who may one day hear the words, “You have cancer.” That’s why I’d be so grateful for your support. Please donate to my efforts, and together, we can help end cancer as we know it—for everyone.”

“Specifically, I’ve had a number of close friends and family members go through this. My Aunt Kim battled a courageous fight with Breast Cancer; she lost her at the age of 48. My Grandma Linn fought and beat breast cancer late in her life. Linn’s Dad had a cancerous tumor in his Kidney; it was removed but he still goes through routine checkups. Her friend Elena fought and beat breast cancer; she also continues routine exams. Matt Sweet, a fellow coach during her time at Robert Morris battled day in and day out with incredible courage and you would have never known it.  And our own Hopewell Elementary Teacher Amanda Erwin with her current battle with breast cancer.”

Miles for patients.
Miles for survivors.
Miles for families.
Miles for research.
Miles for people currently in treatment.
Miles for people we’ve lost.
Miles toward a future where cancer doesn’t take the people we love.

Thank you again!!! All the support whether its monetary or well wishes are greatly appreciated!”, says Linn.