Moving Forward Together: Reflecting on the 2026 Run Like Leo Virtual Challenge
2026 “Last Mile” Gathering in Lafayette with Leo’s friends
If you are new to the Live Like Leo Foundation, welcome. We are a community built on a simple yet profound mission: honoring the vibrant memory and spirit of Leo by opening doors for young people to learn, lead, and grow into the world. Through academic scholarships, athletic facilities, and immersive global travel, we aim to give deserving youth the tools and confidence to shape the future.
Every August, our community gathers from near and far for the Run Like Leo Virtual Challenge. Whether participants log miles in their home neighborhoods, ride bikes, walk with friends, or gather in person to cross the final stretch together, every step taken serves a greater purpose.
This year’s 5th Annual Run Like Leo event was one for the books, and we are thrilled to share what we accomplished together.
$20,000+ Raised to Empower Future Leaders
Thanks to the incredible dedication of our runners, walkers, donors, and cheerleaders, we raised over $20,000 during this year’s challenge.
This milestone isn't just a number—it directly fuels our core programs for the coming year:
Fully Funding Global Travel: Our fundraising outright pays for our partnership with Global Glimpse, sending local students abroad to Latin American countries for life-changing, perspective-shifting travel experiences this summer.
Expanding College Scholarships: Through our partnership with the Santa Cruz County Community Foundation (SCCF), these funds allow us to continue awarding tuition scholarships to promising local students stepping into higher education.
Upgrading Youth Athletic Facilities: Building on the momentum of our recently completed softball batting cage facility in Soquel, we are continuing to invest in physical spaces where young athletes can build confidence and teamwork.
Foundation Sustainability: Beyond immediate program costs, this support ensures our foundation remains strong and active for years to come.
Celebrating Our 2026 Community & Champions
Across the challenge, participants logged hundreds of miles. We want to extend a special shout-out to our leaderboard winners who pushed the pace this year:
Top Individual Finishers:
🥇 1st Place: Carol (77.87 miles)
🥈 2nd Place: Olivia (59.44 miles)
🥉 3rd Place: Aparna (52.60 miles)
Team Leaderboard:
🥇 1st Place: Team Splat (139.30 miles)
🥈 2nd Place: Lowery Fam (82.99 miles)
🥉 3rd Place: Gals for Leo (59.44 miles)
4th Place: Leo’s Fam (55.50 miles)
5th Place: Leo's Lafayette Family (47.70 miles)
6th Place: Cupertino/Kennedy/MV (11.74 miles)
A heartfelt thank you also goes out to leader and mentor Jill J., who designed this year's official race logo, capturing the uplifting spirit that drives everything we do.
The Last Mile and Looking Ahead
The highlight of the event culminated in our community gathering in person to walk and run the final mile together in honor of Leo’s birthday. Seeing families, friends, and supporters moving side-by-side served as a powerful reminder of why this foundation exists.
To everyone who registered, donated, logged a mile, or shared our story: thank you. You are directly investing in the potential of young people and helping us build a brighter future, one step at a time.
See you next year!