Meet Two Team CCRF Runners Taking on Grandma’s Marathon 

Published on June 12, 2026.
Tami holding her daughter Ada at a marathon

Every year, runners from across the country head to Grandma's Marathon in Duluth for one of the most scenic and beloved race weekends in the country. This year, two members of Team CCRF are lacing up with a purpose far bigger than the finish line: helping fund lifesaving childhood cancer research.

Tim running a marathonFor Tim Lapping, running Grandma's Marathon is deeply personal. Based in Kansas City, Tim is traveling to northern Minnesota for the race after hearing incredible things about the Duluth marathon experience and the beauty of the North Shore.

After spending more than a decade working in clinical research — including oncology studies at a local children’s hospital — Tim has seen firsthand how donor-funded research opens the door to new treatments and clinical trials. His connection became even more personal when his nephew was diagnosed with leukemia at just 4 years old.

“He’s been cancer free for about two years now, and I know that wouldn’t have been possible without years and years of research,” Tim shared.

Now, Tim is preparing for his first-ever marathon. He chose Grandma’s after hearing incredible things about the Duluth race experience and the beauty of northern Minnesota. He’s even turning race weekend into a family trip with his wife, Sophie, and sons, Freddie and Beau.

As he trains four days a week, Tim says fundraising gives every mile greater meaning. “Being able to do it for a noble cause makes all the training part of something broader outside of my own personal challenge,” he said.

For Tami Swenson, Grandma’s Marathon marks another chapter in a long running journey. But this race carries a different kind of meaning.

Ada riding a bike in the hospital hall

Tami lost her 5-year-old daughter, Ada, to leukemia in 2023 after 15 months of treatment, including chemotherapy, a bone marrow transplant, and two clinical trials. Through it all, Ada continued to laugh, bike hospital hallways and carry her favorite CCRF teddy bear, C.C. Bear, everywhere she went.

Tami says she’s wanted to run Grandma’s for years. After completing over 15 marathons across California, she’s excited to finally experience the iconic Midwest race and take in the beauty of Lake Superior.

“When I’m having a tough time training, thinking about why I’m doing it gets me through the miles,” Tami shared.

 If you love the endurance challenge of a marathon, half, 10K or 5K, explore all the opportunities to join Team CCRF at childrenscancer.org/marathon. We'll meet you at the starting line!