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More than 40,000 runners took to the streets of Sydney on Sunday for the 29th Sydney Marathon, creating an unforgettable day of achievement, inspiration and community spirit. With more than 123,000 people applying for a place in this year’s event, the race showcased the growing global appeal of Sydney’s iconic marathon while providing a powerful platform for Team ALLG to raise money for Clinical Blood Cancer Trials.

For the Australasian Leukaemia and Lymphoma Group (ALLG), the day was about much more than race times and records. Five dedicated runners, including three ALLG member haematologists, tackled the challenging course to raise vital funds for blood cancer research. Every kilometre completed and every dollar raised reflected a shared commitment to giving people diagnosed with blood cancer access to better treatments and brighter futures.

Support Research, Save Lives

The Power of Purpose

Team ALLG’s runners demonstrated that every marathon story matters. Behind every fundraising page, training run and finish-line photo is a personal reason for taking on the challenge.

ALLG was proud to have Associate Professors Chun Fong and Gareth Gregory, and Dr Orly Lavee represent the organisation on one of the world’s fastest-growing marathon stages. Joined by two other committed Team ALLG runners, they dedicated months of training and fundraising to support blood cancer clinical trials. Their hard work paid off on race day, with Dr Orly Lavee leading the group home in 3:34:45, closely followed by Associate Professor Gareth Gregory in 3:35:54, while Associate Professor Chun Fong achieved the impressive milestone of breaking the four-hour mark with a finish time of 3:59:04. Together, they demonstrated the dedication, perseverance and community spirit that underpin both marathon running and the pursuit of better outcomes for people living with blood cancer.

A special thank you goes to Dr Orly Lavee, whose incredible fundraising efforts inspired supporters throughout the campaign and helped raise awareness of the importance of blood cancer research. As the Sydney Marathon’s leading individual fundraiser, raising more than $47,000, Dr Lavee demonstrated the extraordinary impact one person can have when a community rallies behind a cause.

Dr Lavee’s contribution forms part of Team ALLG’s broader Sydney Marathon fundraising efforts, with over $73,000 raised so far, exemplifying the commitment, resilience and generosity that make community fundraising such a powerful force for change.

ALLG CEO Delaine Smith

ALLG CEO, Delaine Smith sums it up when she says “Their commitment extends well beyond the clinic. Running in the Sydney Marathon is a remarkable accomplishment and their efforts will help drive critical blood cancer research and support the next generation of treatments.” 

ALLG Member Dr Orly Lavee

“Every treatment that we use now was once a clinical trial. This doesn’t just help patients currently, but patients in the future. We’ve made so much ground so far, so this money is a really meaningful amount to get us a bit further down the line.”

ALLG Member A/Prof Chun Fong

“I’ve seen firsthand how ALLG clinical trials change lives. We’ve made progress, but too many patients still face tough odds and tough treatments.”

ALLG Member A/Prof Gareth Gregory

“We need your support to continue the great research the ALLG does to improve treatments for patients with blood cancers.”

Supporting Better Outcomes for Blood Cancer Patients

ALLG is Australia’s leading not-for-profit collaborative blood cancer clinical trials group. For more than five decades, ALLG has brought together clinicians, researchers and scientists to develop and deliver clinical trials that improve treatments and outcomes for people living with blood cancers.

Community fundraising plays a vital role in supporting this work. Every dollar raised helps advance research that can lead to better therapies, improved quality of life and greater hope for patients and families affected by blood cancer.

We are incredibly grateful to our Team ALLG runners, donors and supporters who dedicated their Sydney Marathon journey to this important cause. Their commitment demonstrates the impact that individuals can make when they come together in support of life-saving research.

Interested in Fundraising for ALLG?

If you’re interested in supporting blood cancer clinical trials and research, there are many ways to get involved through Team ALLG. Whether you’re taking part in a sporting event, creating your own fundraising challenge or donating, your support helps fund research that leads to better treatments and outcomes for people affected by blood cancer.

To learn more about fundraising for Team ALLG, visit our website or contact fundraising@allg.org.au.

While the Sydney Marathon may be over, there’s still time to support Team ALLG’s incredible runners and their fundraising efforts. Every donation helps advance blood cancer clinical trials and research, bringing hope to patients and families across Australia and New Zealand.

Donate to Team ALLG today: https://sm26.grassrootz.com/allg