November 1 will celebrate Susan’s legacy, while a new $75,000 initiative will support charity runners and nonprofits participating in the 2027 Boston Marathon
BOSTON, MA – October 27, 2026 – CharityTeams will honor the life and legacy of its founder, Susan Hurley, with the first annual Susan’s Day on November 1, marking the first anniversary of her passing. The day will encourage runners, nonprofit organizations, friends, and supporters to celebrate Susan’s commitment to helping others through charitable giving, acts of kindness, and community involvement.
In conjunction with Susan’s Day, CharityTeams is announcing a new $75,000 fundraising initiative through the Susan Hurley Fund that will provide additional financial support to charity runners and the nonprofit organizations they represent during the 2027 Boston Marathon season.
Susan founded CharityTeams in 2008 with a belief that fundraising should be more than simply asking for donations. She encouraged runners to embrace what she called “fun-raising,” bringing people together around meaningful causes while making the experience enjoyable and rewarding. Under her leadership, CharityTeams helped runners raise tens of millions of dollars for nonprofit organizations, creating a community built on generosity, encouragement, and a shared commitment to helping others.
November 1: The First Annual Susan’s Day
The first annual Susan’s Day invites individuals and organizations to honor Susan’s memory by making a positive difference in their communities. Participants are encouraged to support a runner participating in the 2027 Boston Marathon, make a donation to a nonprofit or charity of their choice, volunteer their time, or perform an act of kindness for someone in need.
The day also provides an opportunity for those who knew Susan to share memories, celebrate her impact, and encourage others to carry forward the spirit of generosity that defined her life.
CharityTeams is encouraging participants to share their stories, donations, and acts of kindness on social media using #SusansDay, helping inspire others to join the celebration.
Susan Hurley Fund Commits $75,000 to Support Charity Runners and Nonprofits
As part of its commitment to continuing Susan’s legacy, the Susan Hurley Fund will dedicate $75,000 in Fundraising Boosts and season ending awards to support CharityTeams runners and their nonprofit organizations throughout the 2027 Boston Marathon season.
The initiative will provide runners with opportunities to earn additional contributions for their causes through fundraising challenges, volunteerism, creativity, participation in training events, and community spirit. Rather than recognizing only the runners who raise the most money, the program is designed to celebrate the many ways participants contribute to their teams, support their communities, and advance the missions of their nonprofit organizations.
When a runner earns a Fundraising Boost, the Susan Hurley Fund will make a contribution directly benefiting that runner’s nonprofit organization, with the amount credited toward the runner’s individual fundraising commitment. All $75,000 will benefit CharityTeams partner nonprofits, and no award money will be paid directly to runners.
“Susan believed that every runner had the ability to make a difference, and she worked tirelessly to make fundraising a positive and rewarding experience,” said Carly Spigel, Susan Hurley Fund Manager. “Susan’s Day is an opportunity for all of us to carry forward her kindness, generosity, and enthusiasm for helping others. Through the Susan Hurley Fund, we also want to support the runners and nonprofits that continue her mission by giving them more opportunities to succeed and reminding them that they are part of a community that believes in them.”
Throughout the marathon season, participants will have opportunities to earn Fundraising Boosts through a variety of activities, including holiday fundraising challenges, social media campaigns, volunteer initiatives, and special events tied to CharityTeams’ signature training runs, Superhero 17 and Hop21.
The initiative will also include Angel Grants to provide additional support for runners facing fundraising challenges as Marathon Monday approaches. Other opportunities will recognize runners who exceed their fundraising commitments, demonstrate creativity in promoting their nonprofits, or provide encouragement and support to fellow teammates.
At the conclusion of the season, additional awards will celebrate runners who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to their causes and the CharityTeams community.
Details about individual challenges, eligibility requirements, and available Fundraising Boosts will be announced throughout the season in CharityTeams’ weekly newsletter, The Rundown.
The Susan Hurley Fund hopes to continue providing fundraising support in future marathon seasons, allowing Susan’s legacy to inspire new generations of charity runners while generating meaningful financial support for nonprofit organizations.
Community members interested in honoring Susan’s memory can learn more or make a contribution to the Susan Hurley Fund at www.charityteams.com/susan-hurley-fund.
About CharityTeams
Founded in 2008 by Susan Hurley, CharityTeams helps nonprofit organizations raise funds and awareness through participation in major endurance events, including the Boston Marathon. The organization provides charity runners with training, coaching, fundraising guidance, and a supportive community to help them achieve their athletic and charitable goals. Since its founding, CharityTeams has helped raise more than $42 million for nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit www.charityteams.com.
About the Susan Hurley Fund
The Susan Hurley Fund was established in 2026 to honor the life and legacy of Susan Hurley, founder of CharityTeams and a beloved leader in the Boston Marathon community. Inspired by Hurley’s energy, generosity, and commitment to uplifting others, the fund supports initiatives that foster connection, personal growth, and community impact. Awards will be granted to organizations and programs that strengthen the community through sports, education, and mentorship, among other areas, carrying forward Hurley’s spirit of encouragement and support for those who go above and beyond to make a difference. For more information, visit www.charityteams.com/susan-hurley-fund.