Run Madtown is excited to announce that the beneficiary of this year’s Charity Chaser Runner will be the Badger Challenge, an impactful fundraising initiative supporting cancer research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Here’s how it works: A designated runner representing Badger Challenge will start the Run Madtown Twilight 5K on Saturday, May 23, after the final participant crosses the start line and try to pass as many athletes as possible before reaching the finish line. For every 5K athlete passed, Run Madtown will donate $1 to Badger Challenge.
Amos Karlsen was selected as this year’s Charity Chaser, stepping in for previous Badger Challenge Charity Chaser Stewart Bass, who is unable to participate due to his wedding. After recovering from an injury, Amos has been steadily rebuilding his running fitness and is eager to take on a local Madison race in support of a meaningful cause. He shared: “I always love Madison races where I can run to the start line.”
Amos has lived in Madison for the past four years, during which he has been an active member of the Movin’ Shoes running community. Originally from Sacramento, Calif., he later attended Haverford College, where he competed in cross country and track. His connection to the mission is also personal, as his fiancé is a neuroscience graduate student at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, giving him a deep appreciation for the critical role scientific research plays in driving progress.
The Badger Challenge is the UW Department of Human Oncology’s signature annual event, drawing more than 3,000 walkers, runners, and cyclists each September. Now in its 11th year, the event will take place on Sunday, September 27 at Eastpark Medical Center, offering a range of distances from a 5K walk to a 100-mile bike ride, ensuring accessibility for participants of all abilities.
“We’re incredibly grateful for our partnership with Run Madtown and their Charity Chaser program,” said Alyse Peters, Director of Community Engagement & Sponsorship for the Badger Challenge. “Community partners like Run Madtown play an important role raising awareness for the critical need to fund cancer research at the University of Wisconsin. Thank you to the entire Run Madtown flock for your continued support and commitment to making a difference!”
Over the past 11 years, the Badger Challenge has raised more than $5.5 million for cancer research and has supported over 70 research labs at the University of Wisconsin. Importantly, 100% of participant-raised funds stay local and go directly to research, fueling innovation and accelerating progress in the fight against cancer.
“Run Madtown is an event that’s very much about community,” said Beth Salinger, Race Director. “Through the Charity Chaser program, we’re proud to support the Badger Challenge and help drive meaningful investment into life-saving cancer research happening right here in Wisconsin.”
Participants interested in supporting the Badger Challenge can learn more at https://badgerchallenge.org/.
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