Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) has announced the launch of its inaugural I CHOP Run, Walk & Virtual Challenge, with Saquon Barkley, running back for the Philadelphia Eagles, serving as the event’s Official Champion. The initiative is presented by Philadelphia Insurance Companies.
The first I CHOP event will take place on April 26, 2026, at FDR Park in South Philadelphia and will feature a 5K run and a 3K family fun walk. In addition to the in-person event, participants can join a virtual challenge throughout May, allowing supporters from various locations to contribute.
Saquon Barkley expressed his commitment to the cause: “There’s nothing more important to me than giving kids the chance to be kids. CHOP is doing phenomenal things to support families when they need it the most, and I’m excited to be a part of that mission, which hits home,” Barkley said. “I’m honored to stand with them as the Official Champion for the inaugural I CHOP Run, Walk and Virtual Challenge. I hope I can inspire others in the community to come together to raise vital funds for CHOP, share hope and make a meaningful impact.”
To mark Barkley’s involvement, CHOP released footage showing patients selecting him as their top choice for Official Champion.
The event aims to bring together thousands of patients, families, corporate partners and members of the community to raise funds for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Participants are encouraged to form teams and fundraise for specific areas within the hospital that are important to them.
Funds raised through this initiative will support several aspects of CHOP’s mission such as encouraging creativity and play during care; training future pediatric healthcare professionals; advancing research efforts; and providing education and outreach programs designed to create safer communities.
Monica Taylor Lotty, Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer at CHOP stated: “This special event is for everyone who has a reason to ‘heart’ CHOP—because your child was cared for here, because your neighbor or grandparent worked here, because you’ve heard about breakthrough treatments developed here or because you believe that sick and ailing children deserve champions in their corner,” said Monica Taylor Lotty. “We are so grateful to Saquon for joining us as our Official CHOP Champion. Those participating in this exciting and inspiring event will make a lasting difference for children and their families both near and far.”
Philadelphia Insurance Companies (PHLY), presenting sponsor of the event, has supported similar fundraising efforts at CHOP for over two decades. PHLY has contributed more than $2 million through events like Parkway Run & Walk while also supporting initiatives such as Medical Financial Partnership aimed at improving health outcomes by helping families achieve financial stability.
John Glomb, President and CEO at PHLY commented: “We are proud to be the lead sponsor for this event and to bolster support for CHOP, a place that continually amazes and inspires us with the incredible patient care and breakthroughs that happen there every day,” said John Glomb. “TEAMPHLY has met many memorable patients and families, in addition to our own employees whose lives have been touched by world-renowned care and research at CHOP. We could not be more excited to expand our passionate support by helping to raise funds for CHOP’s life-changing mission.”
More information about participation can be found at iheart.chop.edu.
