Join us for the California International Marathon
More than 100 runners have crossed the 26.2-mile finish line for the NEC Society—and we’re just getting started! We’d love for YOU to sign up to join us.
Running 26.2 for babies and families
Join the NEC Society's Running Team at CIM
The NEC Society is proud to partner with the California International Marathon (CIM)‘s Charity Program.
The NEC Society’s runners will cross the finish line at CIM in honor of babies affected by NEC. Together, we’re working to propel the NEC Society’s work.
We want YOU to be part of this movement. Join us in running 26.2 for a world without NEC.
Why run CIM for the NEC Society?
Running for the NEC Society means running for a world where no baby is devastated by necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), one of the leading causes of death for premature infants.
Chosen runners receive:
- Free 18-week marathon training plan through Fleet Feet
- Access to the VIP Fleet Feet bus for transportation to the start line
- Access to the VIP Fleet Feet warming tent at the start line
- NEC Society racing jersey
- Free Friday night dinner and meet-up (Dec 4th)
What is expected of NEC Society Charity Runners?
By joining the NEC Society Running Team, you are running 26.2 for babies at risk of and affected by NEC. The NEC Society relies on charity runners to represent their vision of a world without NEC. NEC Society Charity Runners agree to:
- Join the NEC Society Run Club on Strava
- Follow the NEC Society on social media
- Wear the NEC Society jersey during CIM
- Remain responsive to the NEC Society upon acceptance through mid-December, by responding to all communication outreach within one week
- Share a photo and bio for our website and social media
- Build a giving page and make an initial donation of $500, or your spot will be given to another runner on our wait list
- Uphold their $5000 fundraising commitment by Dec 4, 2026
- All details will be shared upon acceptance
Support an incredible cause that serves medically fragile infants and their families.
About the NEC Society
The NEC Society is the world’s leading nonprofit dedicated to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). NEC is a devastating intestinal disease that primarily affects premature and medically fragile infants. Tragically, NEC is a leading cause of death in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
The NEC Society is led by a global community of patient-families, clinicians, and scientists. Together, we are accelerating NEC research, education, and advocacy, and transforming what is possible for infants and families.
The NEC Society was launched in January of 2014 by Jennifer Canvasser after her son, Micah, died from complications of NEC just before his first birthday.
“Since running my first marathon, I have run thousands of miles, undergone emergency C-sections, given birth to three babies, and built the NEC Society, which has grown into the world’s leading nonprofit dedicated to NEC.
Through running, I have learned to carry the unfathomable loss of Micah and channel all that love and energy into fueling the NEC Society’s work to protect babies and families everywhere from the devastation of this disease.
Jennifer Canvasser, Founder and Executive Director of the NEC Society, will run her 18th marathon at CIM on December 6, 2026.
Every athlete is bringing us closer to our vision of a world without NEC.
Interested in running a race in your local community?
We’ve had advocates host countless community walks and events for the NEC Society, and people from across the globe proudly wear the NEC Society jersey.
We want YOU to be part of the movement. Join us in moving for a world without NEC.