Running for Dreams
Running for Dreams exists to help people affected by cancer find hope, healing and purpose – whether they are learning to live with loss or fighting to reclaim their own lives.
Meet Phil de Gruy
Through an incredible journey from surgery and chemotherapy to endurance training and ultramarathons, Phil found a lifestyle change and a new purpose. After defeating cancer two times and realizing how blessed his family was, he decided there weren’t enough resources to help the kids who have lost a parent to cancer. Running for Dreams is here to change that.
Upcoming Events
Stage IV to 140.6 x Run for a Reason | New Orleans Ultramarathon
October 24, 2026
One Race. One Team. One Mission.
The New Orleans Ultra brings together two Running for Dreams journeys. Phil continues his road to IRONMAN Texas alongside RFD Ambassadors Madeline Carter, Katie Payne and Maria Cortes, who are taking on the 50K as part of our Run for a Reason program. Together, they’ll take on the miles in support of children who have lost a parent to cancer.
Check out the fundraising page here and keep up with the team’s progress!
Stage IV to 140.6 | Louisiana Marathon
January 17, 2027
Going the Distance
Phil’s road to IRONMAN Texas continues at the Louisiana Marathon in Baton Rouge. Taking on 26.2 miles, he’ll continue building the endurance and mental toughness needed as he works toward his biggest challenge yet, all to spread the vision for Running for Dreams.
Phil Phest 5k
March 20, 2027
The 5th Annual Phil Phest 5k
The 5thAnnual Phil Phest 5k will take place on March 20, 2027 at Colonial Country Club in Harahan, starting at 6pm.
All proceeds from the race go towards helping children who’ve lost their parent(s) to cancer.
Your registration includes a chip-timed race, numbered bib, custom unisex event t-shirt, free food, drinks and live music!
Latest posts
Hard Runs in High Places: A Runner’s Journey West
Written by Samuel Hunter, 2024Samuel is Running for Dreams’ newest Ambassador, and is running the Louisiana Marathon in January 2025 to raise money for the cause. He took a trip this past summer and we asked him beforehand to write about his experience. This is his story. Let me begin by saying that I do…
Cheer On!
“Just over two years ago my husband Brock was diagnosed with Stage II Pancreatic Cancer. We had such hope at that point, being only Stage II it should be fine!” That’s how Bridgette started her story. I get it, you sit down and have The Talk, “We found a mass…” and you start making the…
