The American Liver Foundation's Run for Research® is one of the oldest and largest marathon teams in the Boston Athletic Association's official charity program. Over 18 years, we have helped thousands of runners train for and compete in the Boston Marathon® while raising critical funds in the fight against liver disease.

In 2007, our 248 runners fundraised close to $1.2 million, more than any other year! Whether you are a first-time marathoner or a running veteran, we invite you to join this extraordinary group of volunteers from all over the United States as we set our sights even higher for the 112 th Boston Marathon® on April 21, 2008.

Twenty-year old Laura Linehan passed away on Friday, April 4 after a long and courageous struggle with liver disease. As many of you may know, Laura has been a significant part of my marathon inspiration over the past four years as well as dear friend. She was a determined and kind soul who lived her life with dignity and hope, even in the final moments. This year I will run to revere her beautiful memory and allow myself a chance to grieve properly. Her family, in their everlasting support for the American Liver Foundation efforts, has chosen to ask friends and family to donate to my 2008 campaign efforts for the Boston Marathon. To make a contribution in Laura’s memory please visit my fundraising page. For more information about the American Liver Foundation or the Linehan family, please email me at ldempsey@liverfoundation-ne.org. Thank you. —Laura Dempsey

A running team that wins every time

The American Liver Foundation has been training runners to cross the finish line of the Boston Marathon® since 1987. While doing so, we have raised over $9 million to help fund the fight against liver disease. Learn more about RFR »

We Are Family

Everything about the 2007 Run for Research® team was unique. One could say it was the camaraderie among team members both near and far; someone else may say it was the unpredictable weather—all the way to the end—that set this year apart. Another runner would say it was the outpouring of support for team members who overcame great obstacles and injuries to participate. Regardless of what made this year special, no matter how 2007 stood out from past marathon training seasons, one thing remained constant—the Run for Research® team is successful because we are a community, one big family that can survive anything from training in the hot California desert to running through a good old fashioned nor’easter. Read a recap of the 2007 marathon »

RFR Member Thrives with Liver Disease Credits Her Athletic Mother as a Role Model

There is no stopping 29 year-old Diana Erdman Sager of Brooklyn, New York; not even liver disease. Being an athlete is not only in her genes; it has been her calling since she was a young girl. From youth soccer to softball to ice hockey and lacrosse, Diana grew up leaning how to compete and take care of herself to stay in shape. Today, as she prepares to run her first Boston Marathon® in the state where she was born, Diana has a positive attitude about fighting her liver disease and making it to the finish line in record time. Read more »

From Recliner to Rookie of the Year: One RFR Team Member’s Quest to Get Fit

January 2008 | John Lovett of North Easton, Massachusetts always dreamed he would run the Boston Marathon®. He initially started running during his late twenties and even ran a half marathon. His exercise routine, however, did not last into the next decade. By the age of 35, John had gained weight and was spending his limited free time away from his demanding job as a self-proclaimed “couch potato.” Read more »

A special note from Dr. James Boyer, President of the ALF National Board of Directors

Marathon time is fast approaching and I know that you all are training hard for this great annual event. On behalf of everyone at the American Liver Foundation (ALF), I want to thank you and underscore how important what you are doing is to the hopes of our many patients suffering from liver diseases. More »

Global challenge. Local response.

The effects of liver disease are global, touching every culture around the world. But the battle against these diseases starts right here… in the homes, hospitals and research facilities of New England. Learn more about ALF »