Running a marathon is always special… but running one with purpose? That hits completely differently. This year, I had the honor of running the Every Woman’s Marathon in Scottsdale as part of the For All Mothers+ charity team — and honestly, it’s a weekend I’ll never forget.
How I First Heard About For All Mothers+
Back in May — right around Mother’s Day — my friends Ivan and Joyce sent me an Instagram post that completely grabbed my attention. It was Strava announcing a partnership with For All Mothers+ to provide grants that help moms cover child-care expenses so they can train for and run races.
Here’s the exact post if you want to check it out:
The whole concept was so powerful: removing real, practical barriers that keep moms from showing up for themselves. Even though I figured the odds were slim, I applied anyway… and in July, I found out I was one of the grant recipients.
Why This Charity Hit Home for Me
Once I dug deeper into For All Mothers+, I realized just how aligned their mission was with everything I stand for.
Their focus?
Eliminating the motherhood disadvantage — the barriers women face professionally, personally, and in sport simply because they became moms.
Whether you’re an elite athlete or a recreational runner who squeezes in miles during nap time, motherhood shouldn’t hold you back from chasing goals that light your soul on fire.
That message felt personal. So when an email arrived saying they were looking for charity runners for the Every Woman’s Marathon, I knew exactly what I needed to do.
Why I Chose the Every Woman’s Marathon
Signing up for the charity team meant making a choice:
Skip the Seattle Marathon… and instead travel to Scottsdale, Arizona.
As soon as I saw the mission, the timing, the energy around the race — I was all in. I wanted to run with purpose, amplify their message, and help raise funds so more moms get opportunities like the one I received.
I set a fundraising goal of $750, offered a fun giveaway to encourage donations, and thanks to my incredible community, I hit — and exceeded — that goal quickly. Truly, thank you to everyone who helped me get there! You’re part of this story.
Race Weekend: Moms, Miles, and Meaning
I decided to bring my mom and my daughter with me for the weekend — a three-generation girl’s trip built around running, empowerment, and community. As a proud mother runner, it meant everything to have them there.
Expo Day at the Every Woman’s Marathon: Community, Connection, and Empowerment
The Every Woman’s Marathon Expo was hands-down one of the best marathon expos I’ve experienced — truly created for women, by women.
From the moment we walked in, the energy felt welcoming and empowering. Every participant received a free coffee of their choice, which immediately set the tone for a fun and thoughtful experience. There were stations for making motivational race signs, areas where runners could get their hair styled, and plenty of opportunities to connect with brands and gather important race-weekend information directly from the Every Woman’s Marathon team.
One of my favorite moments from Expo Day was finally meeting Michelle — known on Instagram as WaddellRunningLady — in person. Even though she wasn’t racing, she came to the Expo just so we could meet face-to-face. That’s the power of the running community, and it meant so much to me!
I also loved reconnecting with runners I’ve met at past races, including Miriam, whom I first met at the Oakland Marathon when she ran her first-ever marathon, and Dawn, who I met earlier this year at the Palm Desert Women’s Marathon. These full-circle moments are one of my favorite parts of being in this sport.
What truly filled my heart, though, was having runners stop me to ask, “Are you Steph from Run Strong Run?” Hearing that people follow my journey and feel inspired by my content never gets old. I absolutely love meeting runners in real life who I’ve been able to encourage and support along the way.
If I had one takeaway, it’s this: next year, I’m giving myself more time at the Expo. There was so much to see, do, and experience, and it was clearly designed with female runners in mind.
Final verdict?
⭐⭐️⭐⭐️⭐️ 10 out of 10 — one of the best marathon expos I’ve attended.
Team Dinner, Shared Purpose, and Meeting Alysia Montaño
One of the most meaningful moments of race weekend happened the night before the Every Woman’s Marathon, when the For All Mothers+ charity team gathered for a team dinner at an Airbnb rented by the team leadership.
With 20 women on the team, the evening felt warm, intentional, and deeply connected. We shared a meal, exchanged stories, and talked about why we each chose to run for For All Mothers+ — a nonprofit dedicated to eliminating the motherhood disadvantage in sport, work, and life.
A Fangirl Moment I’ll Never Forget
At one point, I wandered into the kitchen to see what food was available. Standing there were two women — Victoria, who was overseeing the Every Woman’s Marathon charity team, and another woman standing next to her who looked very familiar.
I had one of those moments where your brain pauses before catching up.
I started to say, “Wait a minute… are you—”
Before I could finish, she laughed, reached out to shake my hand, and confirmed exactly what I suspected.
It was Alysia Montaño.
Total fangirl moment.
I knew Alysia played a pivotal role in founding For All Mothers+, but I never imagined I’d meet her in Scottsdale — casually standing in the kitchen of an Airbnb the night before a marathon. It felt surreal in the most grounding, human way.
Why Meeting Alysia Meant So Much
Alysia’s story is deeply woven into the mission of For All Mothers+. After facing public backlash for racing while pregnant — and later being penalized by sponsors for choosing motherhood — she helped spark the #DreamMaternity movement, which ultimately led to the founding of the organization.
Getting to hear her speak in person and witness her passion up close was incredibly powerful. She didn’t just talk about motherhood and sport — she embodied what it looks like to challenge outdated systems and create real change for women.
“Standing in that kitchen, listening to Alysia Montaño speak about For All Mothers+, I realized this race was about far more than 26.2 miles — it was about making space for moms to pursue what lights them up.”
That night, surrounded by women running for something bigger than themselves, the purpose behind the weekend felt crystal clear. For All Mothers+ isn’t just supporting runners — they’re changing the narrative for moms everywhere.
Race Day: 26.2 Miles With Purpose
On race morning, I put on my For All Mothers+ Rabbit tank with so much pride. Running alongside 7,000 strong women? Goosebumps.
Even though I wasn’t part of the official pace team, I asked For All Mothers+ if I could unofficially pace the race like I did at the LA Marathon in 2025. They said, “Go for it,” and you KNOW I did.
I shared on social that I’d be unofficially pacing the 5:50 marathon using my classic interval: Run 2 minutes, Walk 1 minute. Average pace: 13:20/mile
A huge group of women showed up ready to run those intervals with me, and honestly, it was one of the highlights of the day. The teamwork, the empowerment, the shared miles — it was magic.
Seeing My Family on Course
At mile 14, I spotted my mom and daughter in the For All Mothers+ cheer zone. I don’t think I’ll ever forget that moment. And then again at the finish line. My heart just about exploded.
Would I Do It Again? Absolutely.
This weekend was everything I love about running:
✨ Empowering women
✨ Supporting moms
✨ Running with purpose
✨ Lifting up a mission that matters
For All Mothers+ is currently recruiting charity runners for future races, including:
LA Marathon 2026 and the New York City Marathon
And honestly… don’t be surprised if you see me out there with them again.
If you’re looking for a charity team that makes a REAL impact — professionally, personally, and in sport — I cannot recommend For All Mothers+ enough.
Together, we CAN eliminate the barriers women face.
Together, we can make space for moms in running — and everywhere else.
Run Strong Run 