FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Lily’s Run For A Cause?
Lily’s Run is a group of friends, family, and supporters of Lily Pham and Tyler’s Grace Foundation who will come together on Sunday, March 22nd to participate in the Oakland Running Festival. Lily, who is now 18, originally battled a rare sarcoma at the age of 5, and has been fighting a recurrence and progression since late 2018. After receiving treatment with a drug which is nearing FDA approval, Lily’s situation is improving. She received a gift from Tyler’s Grace Foundation for her 18th birthday which had great meaning, and she would like to pay it forward and raise funds for Tyler’s Grace Foundation so others may have similar experiences.
Why should I join?
To support Lily
To support Tyler’s Grace Foundation
To raise awareness for Childhood Cancer
To help Tyler’s Grace Foundation help more cancer patients. Tyler’s Grace attempts to help every patient and family that applies for a gift. To date, we have been able to accommodate all requests. With your help, we can and will do more!
Is it OK to walk instead of run?
Absolutely! Lily is committed to finishing the race at whatever pace she can manage, and so should you! Walk, jog, run — just join us!
What distance is right for me?
5K (3.1 miles): Any age is eligible to join, and training is recommended for those who intend to run instead of walk. This is the most popular race length.
Half Marathon (13.1 miles): Age 14 and up. Proper training is essential. This is a relatively flat and fast course with plenty of on-course entertainment and support.
Marathon (26.2 miles): Age 16 and up. This is appropriate for seasoned adult runners who have completed at least a couple of Half Marathons. Proper training is essential. The course takes runners on the Bay Bridge to Treasure Island, then meets up with the Half Marathon route for the second portion of the race.
How do I train?
Our training is focused upon the 5K race distance since that is the most popular event. Our assumption is that runners targeting the Half Marathon or Marathon events are experienced runners and familiar with training plans. However, questions can always be directed to LilysRun@TylersGraceFoundation.org. Your organizational team has run multiple long distance races and has the experience to help.
5K training plans typically begin with a run/walk sequence, gradually lengthening the running segments as race day approaches. Non-runners can typically train for a 5K in six weeks. We provide a 6-week plan that should be used as a guideline. Invariably you will miss a training run due to work, school, illness, etc. Simply skip that training run and continue with the plan. The training plan is designed to get you over the finish line safely and comfortably (and remember, walking is perfectly acceptable!). If you wish to have a competitive time you will need to invest additional time with sprint intervals, cross training, etc.
How do I sign up?
Register on the race website at www.OaklandMarathon.com, and use TGFoundation20 for a 20% discount on your registration fees.
What’s next?
After registering, you will receive general race related emails from the Oakland Running Festival. You will also receive emails from LilysRun@TylersGraceFoundation.org which will be specific to our fundraiser and our group of runners.
Weekly email newsletters will begin in February, and will ensure all participants have the latest training and race information.
How Can I Help Raise Funds for Tyler’s Grace Foundation?
We would be incredibly grateful if you would help raise funds in Lily’s honor. Tyler’s Grace is a 501(c)3 and all donations are tax deductible. Our staff is made up entirely of volunteers, so your donations will go directly to gifts for cancer patients. Please share this link with your family and friends and ask them to donate and sponsor you in your race efforts Lily's Run Donation Page.
Questions regarding Lily’s Run can be directed to the organizational team at LilysRun@TylersGraceFoundation.org.