[photo credit: The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research]
The event is the first in the foundation’s 2026 seven-city Run/Walk Series, which also includes stops in Chicago, Washington, D.C., Denver, Boston, Houston and Phoenix. All proceeds go directly to the foundation’s Parkinson’s disease research programs, according to the foundation.
The foundation, which Fox established in 2000 after being diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s at age 29, has funded more than $2.5 billion in research to date, according to a foundation press release. It describes itself as the largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson’s research in the world.
The series has drawn more than 30,000 participants and raised more than $8.9 million since it launched in 2017 as the Fox Trot in New York City, according to event registration pages. The 2026 series carries a fundraising goal of $1.65 million.
Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative condition in the United States, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation. An estimated 1 million Americans live with the disease, and nearly 90,000 are diagnosed each year.
“People with Parkinson’s are at the heart of everything we do and urgently drive our mission to end the disease,” Stephanie Paddock, the foundation’s vice president of community fundraising and events, said in a January statement. “These events help connect our community and strengthen the collective momentum driving progress toward better treatments, and ultimately, a cure.”
The Run/Walk offers a Kids Fun Run, a one-mile walk and a 5K run/walk. Check-in begins at 8 a.m. and the run/walk starts at 9:30 a.m., according to the foundation. Registration is available at give.michaeljfox.org. Rose Bowl Stadium is located at 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena. For questions, email runwalk@michaeljfox.org or call the Rose Bowl at (626) 577-3100.
The next series stop is Chicago on May 3, followed by Washington, D.C., on June 7. A virtual event is scheduled for June 19-21 for those who cannot attend in person.
