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An avid runner since 2008 and an advocate for the Light of Life Rescue Mission, Doug Smith’s commitment to Run for a Reason exemplifies how to connect passion with purpose. Doug’s dedication to staying active and supporting Light of Life’s mission has helped to contribute more than $600,000 raised for the organization since 2013.

Doug’s family saw the impact Light of Life has on the lives of many first-hand with having a family member who was a part of the organization’s program. Knowing what Light of Life’s programs can do for a person faced with adversity motivates him to run for all of the men, women, and children who walk through The Mission’s doors every day. Doug joined the Light of Life team in 2011 to give back to the organization that walked his family through challenging times. Two years later, Doug began Running for a Reason as a way to inspire his fellow charity runners at Light of Life.

He crossed his first DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon finish line as a charity runner in 2013 and quickly realized the difference he can make for Light of Life while achieving new running goals. His running made an impact and he has Run For A Reason every year since!

Doug hasn’t let anything waiver his commitment, not even a global pandemic. Doug ran the UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon virtually in 2021 and raised over $10,000 for The Mission. His motivation to make a difference for Light of Life is what kept Doug running to achieve his fundraising goal when the in-person race weekend was cancelled for a second year. The virtual half marathon allowed Doug to document his Run for a Reason experience on social media, sharing the importance of his charity run and Light of Life’s mission with his followers. He was even able to incorporate Light of Life’s North Shore office as part of his race route!

Doug’s upcoming participation in the 2022 UPMC Health Plan Half Marathon marks his ninth year raising money for Light of Life. He is excited to return to a live start line with his fellow charity runners at the 2022 DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon weekend of events. After two years of virtual running and continued encouragement from his friends and team members, he is eager to celebrate the hard work and perseverance of both him and his fellow charity runners in person once again. 

Interested in becoming a charity runner for the 2022 DICK’s Sporting Goods Marathon weekend of events? Here’s a piece of advice and encouragement from the charity runner himself: 

“DO IT! It will make your race experience more fulfilling, and you’ll be able to meet other runners running for the same cause. Run for a Reason serves as an opportunity to learn more about and create meaningful connections with the charity organization you are running for.” - Doug Smith, Director of Development, Light of Life Rescue Mission

To learn more about how you can Run for a Reason, click here: https://www.thepittsburghmarathon.com/pages/RFAR-pittsburgh-marathon